CHALLENGE CUP: 8 TEAMS LEFT

This post first appeared in the Camden New Journal, 13 January 2011.

Published: 13 January, 2011

by STEVE BARNETT

THERE are just eight teams left battling it out for the prestigious Camden New Journal trophy following an action-packed second round at Hackney Marshes. 

The shock of the round was the exit of cup holders Mostyn, sensationally knocked out by league newcomers Athletico Annies. 

Joe Thompson opened the scoring when he latched on to a Teddy Barham through ball and coolly beat the keeper. Alan Covington made it 2-0 when he powered home Kurt Freeney’s corner.

Mostyn pulled a goal back before half time to leave the tie tightly balanced. With just five minutes of normal time to go Mostyn grabbed the equaliser to send the game into extra-time. Athletico refused to be beaten, however, and went on to seal a 5-2 win thanks to a quick-fire double from Freeney and a cheeky chip from Ryan Tanner. 

Division One leaders Pho­enix (pictured below) netted the biggest win of the round with an 8-0 victory over Division Two side Constitution. For 35 minutes it looked like the Cons were on course to cause an upset as they kept the free-scoring Phoenix at bay. But two penalties from Anthony Clark ended any chance of a giant-killing act. Captain Michael Pattrick also chipped in with two goals, but it was man-of-the-match Gio Falzone who stole the show with four goals. 

Kevin Shudell scored a hat-trick as Cobden Athletic eased past the Surreal Madrid ‘D’ team. Robin Harrison was also on target in a 5-1 victory. 

Lord Southampton booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 4-1 win over Mayville. Alexie Nicolaou, Jason Medford, John Purcell and Mark Dawson grabbed the goals. 

Strikes from John Domokos and JJ Monserat saw AFC Shooters progress with a 2-0 win over Park City Rangers. 

Other results saw Lord Tredegar beat Enate United 7-2, while Boundary Estate needed extra-time before sealing a 2-1 win over the Mayville ‘B’ team.