Non-League and Academy football writer

In the Southern Amateur Football League, there were plenty of matches taking place on Saturday the 6th of April. However, in midweek action, Civil Service 1sts would face non-League side Brook House in the final of this season’s Middlesex FA Premier Cup. After Brook House had taken the lead just before half-time, John Sewell’s Civil Service side would draw level during the second half, courtesy of a well worked goal. However, unfortunately, Civil Service, who had done so well to reach this final, would lose to Brook House on penalties. On to Saturday’s action, and in Senior Division 1 of the SAL, at the Edward Alleyn Club, Alleyn Old Boys would win 2-0 against Old Finchleians, to bolster their chances of avoiding relegation to Senior Division 2.

Also in Senior Division 1, NUFC Oilers would win 1-0 away to Weirside Rangers, and West Wickham would move to the top of the table, with a 1-0 home win over Actonians Association. Hammersmith and Nottsborough 1sts would contest this season’s big SAL Senior Cup final, on Saturday afternoon at HSBC Sports & Social Club. Between two quality sides, this cup final would finish 1-1 after regulation time, however, Nottsborough would win the final 4-3 on penalties. Many congratulations must go to Nottsborough, on what is yet another great achievement for the club. In Senior Division 2, HSBC FC would draw 2-2 with Merton, and Old Meadonians recorded an important 4-0 win over Old Lyonians, to improve their chances of finishing in the top two of the division. For Old Meadonians, Phil McNicholas (he got a hat-trick) and Dylan Teale got their goals on the day.

A hat-trick of goals from Deji Afun-Ogidan, would help West Wickham 2nds to a 3-1 win over Alexandra Park. And, over at Old Thorntonians, Nottsborough 2nds made it a fantastic day for the club, with them winning 4-1 against Honourable Artillery Company Reserves in this season’s AFA Intermediate Cup final. Another good result for Nottsborough, on Saturday, saw them win 2-1 away to South Bank Cuaco, at Dulwich Sports Ground, as we now focus on Senior Division 3. There was a double header of matches taking place at King’s House Sports Ground, on Saturday afternoon, with Civil Service 2nds facing Old Parkonians, on two occasions, on the day. In the first game, goals from Ollie Downing, Harry Joyce, and Rasheed Knight, helped Civil Service 2nds to a 3-0 win. Then in the second match, braces from Ivor Colson and Enoch Boateng, and a goal from Harry Joyce, helped Civil Service 2nds to a 5-0 win. And, in another double header of matches, Bank of England FC would win 4-3 against Norsemen, before then drawing 2-2 in the second game.

In Senior Division 4, and at The Garden of Lewisham, City of London would lose 3-1 to Old Meadonians 2nds. Also, Alexandra Park 2nds would win 3-0 against South Bank Cuaco 2nds, in north London. Crouch End Vampires were awarded a home walkover against Polytechnic 2nds, and finally, Old Parmiterians 2nds won 3-1 away to Winchmore Hill 3rds, courtesy of goals from Ryan Franklin, Bradley Hall, and Arthur Massingham. This week, my highlighted game of the week, featuring an SAL team, is a Surrey FA Saturday Premier County Cup quarter-final tie, between step 6 side Chessington & Hook United, and Nottsborough 1sts, on Tuesday night. And, I will be doing a match report on that game.