Match Report

Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South

AS London 2-3 NW London

Ayub Kadiri 21' (AS London)
Hussein Farhat 25' (NW London)
Hussein Farhat 27' (NW London)
Lamin Bangura 74' (AS London)
Hussein Farhat 82' (NW London)

A sensational hat-trick from 19-year-old Hussein Farhat propelled NW London to a thrilling victory over local White Hart Lane rivals AS London.

The match carried a sense of familiarity for NW London, as AS London hosted the game at New River Stadium—a venue NWL have used several times for both friendly and competitive fixtures in past seasons. AS London's lineup also featured familiar faces, with last season's NWL Player of the Season, Juan Araque, starting in midfield, and former defender Nicolas Sanchez named on the bench.

NW London started brightly, looking sharp in possession and applying consistent pressure on the home side. The contest remained tight until midway through the first half when an unintentional through ball from the left found Ayub Kadiri, who curled in a fine finish to give AS London the lead.

The goal sparked a chaotic period. Shortly after scoring, Kadiri was sin-binned, and NWL quickly took advantage. Krasniqi broke free down the right and delivered a cross that, after a brief scramble, was squeezed home by Farhat for the equaliser.

Buoyed by their goal, NW London continued to press forward. Right-back Vasquez surged down the flank, delivering a cross that once again fell kindly to Farhat, who forced the ball in from close range to give NWL the lead.

Despite NWL's dominance, AS London nearly levelled when Evander Lopes latched onto a long ball but fired wide from a promising position. Just before the break, NW London's Burcea was sin-binned, handing AS London a numerical advantage.

The second half began with NWL, despite being a man down, creating the first big chance. Debutant Abbas Osman broke through but shot just wide from a tight angle. As the game entered the final stages, captain James Allen produced a crucial goal-line clearance, but AS London soon found their equaliser. A cross into the box was poked against the post and turned in on the rebound by Lamine Bangura.

AS London pushed for a winner, forcing a fine save from NWL debutant goalkeeper Ardisson. However, it was NWL who struck the decisive blow. A swift move down the left from Rahman teed up Farhat, who smashed home to complete his hat-trick and restore NW London's lead.

The visitors managed the closing stages professionally, preventing any clear-cut chances for AS London and securing a well-deserved victory. NW London impressed throughout, with Farhat's clinical display proving the difference on an exciting afternoon at New River Stadium.