Goals from George Hughes (54) and Cameron Ashia (86 Pen) sent FSA PRO London with a win over FAB Academy racing through to the ECFA National’s last 4 for the first time in Fox Soccer Academy’s history!
FAB Academy set up stubborn and defiant defensively from the first whistle looking to counter on a possible FSA PRO London mistake. Lee Quincey explained his confusion during the post-match interview. “It was a surprising tactic by FAB, seeing their high scoring results I thought they would attack more. I know they can concede goals, so I knew with the amount of possession they gave us it was only a matter of time before we took the lead.”
The first half was dominated by FSA PRO but clear-cut chances were limited. FAB remained well structured and extremely hard to break down with 11 men behind the ball. A couple of long-range shots from FSA PRO’s winger ‘Dominic Fisher’ came close but wasn’t enough to worry the away sides keeper. FAB Academy came close with a well-timed run by their right winger who put in a beautifully timed cross which flashed across the face of goal. It was a slight change in tactics that created more chances for FSA PRO becoming more direct which was merited when Denzel Akeampong set off on a 70-yard run! At full sprint against the FAB full back Denzel won the first battle retaining the ball. Some great trickery found him space to find George Hughes whose touch twisted the defender seeing George one on one with the keeper 7 yards out from goal. An attempt to smash the ball into the roof of the net by FSA’s number 9 forced an unbelievable save by the FAB keeper at his near post! Half Time 0-0!
FSA PRO London Quarter Final goals.
Plenty of positives to take from the first half saw FSA PRO eager to get back out onto the pitch. With the amount of defensive work during the first 45 FAB turned to some fresh legs. FSA took a 54th-minute lead when striker George Hughes fired the ball through the keeper’s legs 10 yards out. A world class reverse pass by number 10 Cameron Ashia split the FAB’s low block to find Mark Soares who intelligently cut onto his left foot to play George through for 1-0!
FAB knew they needed to come out and push forward if they wanted an equaliser. It was FSA PRO’s turn to defend and protect their lead, defending well and not allowing too much pressure it looked almost certain the game was comfortable. However, a once in a lifetime mistake 80 minutes on the clock saw FSA PRO’s keeper smash the ball straight at the back of the striker’s head! The ball looped up and over towards goal seeing the keeper racing back to his own net, a full stretch leap wasn’t enough to keep the ball from rolling in for 1-1!
It was a nervy few minutes after the goal as FSA were almost in shock conceding late on. The mentality and belief in the FSA PRO quickly grew when the pressure was mounting on FAB Academy’s back line. Once against sitting deep FAB looked to soak up the pressure and counter when possible. A lack of concentration from the FAB right back after a long ball forward by Denzel Akeampong led to a stone wall handball inside the box….PENALTY! Cameron Ashia stepped up looking confident and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left. FSA PRO London 2-1 FAB Academy with 86 minutes on the clock! Asking Cameron after the game how he was feeling when stepping up for the penalty he explained “I’ve got ice in the veins, I knew before the game I was going to score. Last week against FSA Leicester I converted my penalty, so I was confident.”
FSA PRO London were running down the time with 4 minutes additional time. Erikos Biniakou picking up the only caution of the game for time wasting was one to remember. A professional display by FSA PRO throughout resulted in a deserved win! It was by far FSA’s biggest test of the season and huge credits to an outstanding FAB Academy side with plenty of talent.
FULL TIME:
FSA PRO LONDON 2-1 FAB ACADEMY
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Cameron Ashia