Chiswick Albion Storm Into Cup Final

Riverside Challenge Trophy Semi-Final: Chiswick Albion 6 Isleworth Castle 1

Chiswick Albion made it to their second cup final of the season as Isleworth Castle ran out of steam and conceded five second half goals. Castle a Division Two side did credit to their division with a spirited first half performance against an in-form Albion. Albion who have been scoring freely lately started well and Anthony Clarke and Vojin Soskic had good efforts saved by Paul Scarborough, Castles giant keeper. Vojin Soskic then headed over from a corner as the Albion piled on the pressure.

Whilst defending deep, Castle were dangerous on the counter-attack and Jamie Newman with 31 goals behind him already this season caused Albion’s back four numerous problems. It was the Albion though who opened the scoring when Eugene Nouril was quick to react, and poked the ball in.Castle defended well and were rewarded when another long through ball found Newman who chipped the advancing Dawson.

Albion started the second half in a more determined mood and a crazy ten minutes saw the Albion have numerous chances cleared, stopped on the line or beaten out by desperate defending. In this period Adam White also struck a post, but Castle had to crack. Albion did score as Castles luck ran out. Ognjen Soskic found himself free in the box and smashed home. Castle were reeling now and after good work by Clarke, Ognjen Soskic scored to put the Albion in the driving seat. Adam White piled on the agony as his tasty free kick was poorly defended and Ognjen Soskic completed his quick-fire hat-trick.

Castle now were tiring and the Albion with an average age of 25 were rampant. Adam White again conjured up a cross that Ognjen Soskic found himself free again from at the far post and he drilled home his fourth goal and Albion’s fifth. Liam White the club skipper had just stepped off a flight from New York, but still made a big contribution to the win. Dean Francis who has been injured of late came on and was soon back in the swing of things with his pacy runs and good distribution.

Albion’s strong squad includes Brian Flynn and he also caught the eye with a direct approach to Castle’s back line. Flynn who has a good scoring record in the League, on this occasion was the assist to the final goal. His short square pass in the box set up Nicky Wozniak who placed the ball in the bottom corner. A deserved victory for the Albion and full marks to Isleworth Castle who at no point let themselves down.

This win sets up a nice ‘Battle of the Chiswick sides’ as the Albion face Chiswick Griffin in the final at Bedfont FC on the 11th May.

Before that the Albion take on Acton & Ealing Whistlers in the final of the League Cup at Hillingdon Boro FC on the 4th May.

Albion Team: Dawson, Wozniak N, Salem, Ralph, Soskic V, Clarke, Ede, White L, Soskic O, Nouril, White A (Flynn)

Man of the Match: Ognjen Soskic

Champagne Moment of the Match: Oggy’s four goals almost identical.

Referee: Paul Andrews (Hanworth Park)
Assistant Referee Tamas Kascsak
Assistant Referee Andrew Care

Match Report: Mark White

May 2, 2008