London Cup returns!

AASA hosted Ark Evelyn Grace in the round 2 of the London Cup. AASA having won the first round in dramatic style were looking forward to replicating their first-round performance again. AASA began on the front foot, however, was unable to capitalise on their opportunity due to lack of composure. As the first half went on, Evelyn began to settle into the game dominating the midfield, yet AASA kept up the fight. As Olgierd went on to make a superb diving safe from a corner, Evelyn Grace was the first to react, scoring a tap in. 1-0 to Evelyn Grace. AASA began to lose focus as the game turned scrappy, minutes later conceded two goals, 3-0 to Evelyn Grace. In the final minutes of the first half, Afiz scored for AASA from a well delivered free kick. First half ended 3-1. AASA began the second half bright and encouraging and continued creating opportunities. However, was unable to convert any of their chances. As AASA continued to search for goals, they conceded another goal making it 4-1 to Evelyn Grace. The boys were very gutted to have been knocked out of the cup in such manner, however, immediately accepted they lost to a very strong Evelyn Grace side. Final score 4-1 to Evelyn Grace. Man of the Match goes to Afiz. Thank you all for your support. Shout out to the Year 10 boys’ team!!!

Ark Burlington Danes Academy hosted AASA in the first round of the u16 London Cup. The team started on the front foot with some fantastic possession play and communication; however, due to complacency, AASA conceded the first goal. As the first half went on, AASA continued to show their quality and continued to create opportunities to equalise but was too slow in their decision-making in the final third. The first half ended 1-0 to BDA. During the second half, AASA were on top again; however, as they continued to search for the equaliser, their fantastic possession football began to fade away. A fabulous through ball was played from the midfield, and Ashley immediately pounced on the opportunity with a great finish past the goalkeeper, grabbing the equaliser. A few minutes later, Malik turned the game on its head as the keeper fluffed his lines, making it 2-1 to AASA. However, BDA were not going to give up easily and started to push for the equaliser, which came eventually in the final 10 minutes of the match with a brilliant right foot strike from their main player. The game is now open and end to end at this point. As BDA continued to attack, their player glided past two AASA defenders and what seemed like an excellent strike and would have perhaps won them the match turned out to hit the inside of the post, a potential VAR moment as the ball rolled on the line. AASA managed to clear the ball and through on counterattack. Ashley received the ball and, using his strength to beat the defender, he managed to create a yard for himself to shoot, and it was an exquisite execution of a powerful left-footed strike beyond the keeper’s reach in the final moments of the match. The final score was 3-2 win to AASA. Man of the Match goes to John. A great start to the season. Thank you all for your support. Shout out to the Year 11 boys’ team!!!