Savouring the victory: Under-10s Challenge Cup winners The Fonthill

Published: 14 May, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

CHAMPIONSHIP striker Aiden O’Brien is usually hell-bent on trying to beat goalkeepers. But on Friday he presented a shot-stopper with a top award when he turned up to surprise teams playing in the Camden and Islington Midweek Youth League. 

The Millwall star, himself a former player from the league for Isledon Wolves, joined the celebrations at Market Road, which started with The Fonthill winning the Under-10s Challenge Cup with a 3-0 victory over The Heath. 

O’Brien handed out the medals and had his picture taken with all the players, including goalscorers Alfie George, Freddie Lambert and Kaya Demir. But the 21-year-old Millwall hitman will be hoping he’s long-retired before meeting man-of-the-match Joe Ryan again, who put in an outstanding display in goal for The Heath. 

FC Unity were also all cheers after winning the Under-12s Liboria Risveglia Challenge Cup with a 3-0 win over EC1 Youth thanks to goals from Alex Smith, man-of-the-match Harry Smith and Roger Florez. 

The club captured a cup double when their Under-15s survived a penalty shoot-out against Hackney All Stars.

Led by captain Sadek Rahman, FC Unity battled out a 2-2 draw in normal time with Kevin Maya and Karmarni Brown both finding the back of the net. 

Goalkeeper Alex Webb showed cat-like reflexes to make a crucial save before Rhys Rumsey scored the decisive kick to seal a 4-3 victory on penalties. 

A single strike from Malakai Hyman-Poku proved enough to see AFC became the first ever winners of the Under-13s Henry Hicks Challenge Cup, which has been dedicated to the memory of the 18-year-old who used to play in the league. 

His sister Claudia turned up to present players from AFC and AC United with their medals and trophies. 

The final game of the evening saw Redon Abazi and Kaihan Amirzai score two goals apiece as Somers Town Future beat FC Unity 4-2 to retain the Under-17s Challenge Cup.

Daniel Leonard scored both goals for FC Unity, who still had plenty of reason to celebrate after being crowned league champions.

Man-of-the-match trophy for Joe Ryan with Millwall’s Aiden O’Brien

Man-of-the-match trophy for Harry Smith 

Savouring the victory: FC Unity Under-12s

Savouring the victory: FC Unity Under-15s

League winners FC Unity Under-17s

AFC man-of-the-match George Webb with match winner Malakai Hyman-Poku

STF Under-17s