Match Report : NW London 1-1 (4-2 Pens) OIR

Match Report

London Senior Trophy - Friday 4th October

NW London 1-1 (4-2 Pens) OIR

Said Yusuf 48' (OIR)

Damian Tryczynski 81' (NW London)

In a Friday night cup clash, NW London advanced to the second round of the London Senior Trophy via penalties, following a dramatic contest against OIR.

This was a first-round match of the London Senior Trophy, which features teams from across London at Step 6 and Step 7 of the National League system. OIR, though playing a division below in the Hertfordshire Premier Division, put in an impressive performance in a classic English cup tie full of excitement.

OIR started the match at a high tempo, showing no signs of nerves despite being the underdogs. They caught the home side, NW London, off guard several times with their energetic play. However, NW London's goalkeeper, Charlie Casey, was in top form, making several key saves from close range to deny the visitors.

NW London had a few chances of their own through Burcea and Melgaco, but they struggled to match OIR's intensity for most of the first half.

In the second half, OIR's efforts were rewarded when they took the lead, capitalizing on a rebound from a lofted free-kick. This goal sparked NW London into action, helped by the introduction of Tryczynski and a tactical reshuffle pushing Okoko further forward.

The match hung in the balance as both sides created chances, but it was NW London who equalized. Krasniqi headed across a free-kick, setting up Tryczynski to volley home.

Late on, NW London's Gomes had a golden opportunity to seal the win but missed the target after a favorable bounce from a corner. At the other end, Casey made another stunning save, deflecting a shot that seemed destined to give OIR the win.

With the game tied, it went to penalties, where Charlie Casey became the hero once again. NW London converted all four of their penalties, while Casey saved OIR's third attempt, diverting it onto the post. When OIR's fourth penalty was blasted over, NW London secured a hard-fought victory and progressed to the next round of the competition.