Published: 21 February, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

THE die has been cast – and has thrown up a mouth-watering David vs Goliath battle for the right to lift one of the most sought-after trophies in the capital.

Come the end of March two teams very few expected will be going head-to-head in the final of the Camden Sunday League CNJ Challenge Cup at Hackney Marshes.

In one corner stands Division One side MDM who despite struggling in the league this season have proven cup pedigree having also reached this Sunday’s Senior Cup final.

In the other corner stands Camden Sunday League new- comers Coalition Crusaders, who are flying high in Division Three and have already taken a number of Division One scalps on their way to the final.

On Sunday MDM had to show great patience before finally seeing off Division Two side Gyro in a nail-biting semi-final. MDM took the lead through Koby Billzy, but Gyro looked like they were going to cause an upset when they turned the game around to take a 2-1 lead.

James Tran equalised to force extra-time, which MDM dominated as they pushed forward in a bid to avoid a dreaded penalty shoot-out. Their constant pressure looked like it was going to be in vain, however, as a combination of last-ditch defending from a determined Gyro side and wasteful shooting saw spectators start to settle in for the spot-kicks.

But with just minutes left in the added on 30 Adrian Yearwood was in the right place at the right time to score from close range and send MDM into the final.

With Gyro hearts broken there was still time for Billzy to grab his second of the game from the penalty spot to seal a deserved 4-2 win for the double cup chasers.

In the second semi-final the Crusaders continued to do what they do best, and beat the odds.

Having already beaten last season’s Division One champions Cobden Athletic, the free-scoring side were again presented with top-flight opposition as they took on Crouch End Rangers.

The Crusaders’ spirit was again on show as, having gone a goal down, they battled back to level the scores thanks to a stunning goal from Ardian Saban.

Mustafa Baskal stepped up to steal the show as he scored twice in five minutes. The midfielder went on to complete his hat-trick late on from the penalty spot to wrap up a 4-2 victory and secure a place in the final on March 24.