Crusaders

Published: 17 January, 2013
CAMDEN SUNDAY LEAGUE CNJ CHALLENGE CUP QUARTER-FINALS
by STEVE BARNETT

THE magic of the cup was truly alive and kicking at the weekend as Camden Sunday League newcomers Coalition Crusaders booked their place in the semi-finals of the CNJ Challenge Cup.

When it came to causing a big cup upset the tie ticked all the right boxes, with Division Three’s Crusaders coming from 2-0 down in the final 20 minutes of the match to knock out Division One champions Cobden Athletic.

After a goalless first half, Cobden’s top flight status looked like it was taking a stranglehold on the game as Winston Fowler struck twice.

Even the Crusaders’ players must have thought it was all over. But manager Turker Mustafa made a double substitution and changed formation in a last-ditch attempt to salvage something from the game. Nobody expected what happened next. First Lewis Williams scored what many might have assumed was just a consolation. Then super-sub Danny Jarvis took centre-stage as he netted two fantastic goals to turn the tie on its head – to the astonishment of spectators at Hackney Marshes.

“To be honest I thought the game was dead and buried,” said Turker. “But the boys simply don’t know when they’re beat and continued to go for goal. As a new side it’s such a great bonus for all the players to beat the reigning Division One champions.”

As a reward for their victory the Crusaders will face more top flight opposition in the semi-finals after being paired against Crouch End Rangers, who progressed after beating Surreal Madrid ‘D’ 2-1 on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Gyro beat Tufnell Park Rangers 2-1 in the all-Division Two quarter-final tie.

Andy Maclachlan opened the scoring for Gyro from close range after Mike Paisley’s shot was parried by the keeper. Sam Woodall made it 2-0 and though Rangers pulled a goal back Gyro held on to secure a tie against MDM in the final four.

Gyro could even afford to miss a late penalty which saw Mo “Hammer” Sesay blaze his effort over the crossbar.

Manager Andrew Solomon said, “We didn’t play our best football, but the result is the main thing. Winning when you don’t play well is the form of champions.”

The remaining quarter-final saw MDM beat Division One rivals Surreal Madrid ‘A’ 6-4 in a 10-goal thriller.

West End Saturday League

MIDFIELD general Rene Jarrett made up for missing the big kick-off on Saturday as Earlsberg Eagles took on rivals Primrose Hill in the Senior Challenge Shield.

The Eagles “very own Makelele” was delayed by 25 minutes because Camden Council was late fixing his boiler.

But he made amends when he rifled home a stunning shot from 30 yards to help the Eagles sore to a resounding 5-2 victory.

A power-strike from Emmanuel Hanson opened the scoring for the Eagles, before star man Kayan Kalipha bagged a brace. Kris Culley made the game safe before Rene scored his screamer.