An away trip to AFC Sudbury was the first game for FSA PRO London in the ECFA National Championships after winning their Cat One League.
It was a positive start with both teams looking to build on some confidence. FSA survived a few early scares as Sudbury looked to break the deadlock. An early one on one save by keeper James Padgett kept the score level. It was Denzel Akyeampong with FSA PROs best chance of the first half when a free kick was whipped in by Lee Quincey, finding Akyeampongs header but drifting narrowly wide. The first half finished 0-0 with Sudbury on the front foot. A disciplined performance defensively by FSA PRO kept us well and truly in the contest. It was Sudbury who looked the most frustrated at the break as they jogged in at half time. Not capitalising on their chances and some fine keeping by James Padgett meant the second half was going to be eventful.
AFC Sudbury came out strong again and moved the ball with purpose and directness. Again, some great defending by FSA PRO as they looked to soak up pressure and wait for an opportunity. It was a game that FSA knew they only needed one chance. Sudbury continued to push on and find a goal that they arguably deserved.
The moment of the game fell to Sudbury’s winger who skipped past four FSA players on the right-hand side, cutting back onto his right foot and firing a low shot across the keeper. The result was the same….James Padgett getting down low and making an unbelievable stop! Sudbury looking shocked and amazed that the score was still 0-0 but the defensive qualities and FSA’s keeper were not backing down. A short free kick by Sudbury was pounced on by FSA and the break was on, cleared by Karim Mellar, the ball made its way up to striker George Hughes who set the ball back to Henry Sisarello for the on going counter attack. A switch of play to Charlie Sisarello who managed to dig out a cross eventually found Mark Soares. Soares smoothly trickled his way through a panicking Sudbury defence to bend a right footed shot into the top right corner, 84th minute 1-0!
FSA were burning down the clock and holding onto a precious goal that was enough to send them into the next round. Sudbury threw the kitchen sink and more towards the final stages of the game but FSA denied everything. 7 minutes of injury time felt a lifetime but the final whistle blew. A Mark Soares counter attacking goal was enough to send Sudbury crashing out of the National’s Quarter Finals. Final comment, PADGETT’S ON FIRE!!!
Full Time: AFC Sudbury 0-1 FSA PRO London
Man of the match: James Padgett
What's next?
FSA PRO London have draw i2i Football Academy in the ECFA National Semi Final. The game will take place on Wednesday 26th April at home.
Come on you foxes!