Match Report

Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South

NW London 4-2 Newbury Forest

Damian Tryczynski 19' (NW London)
Cesario Mendes 25' (Newbury Forest)
Emmanuel Okoko 40' (NW London)
Arianit Krasniqi 45' (NW London)
Lucas Gonzalez 63' (NW London)
Cesario Mendes 76' (Newbury Forest)

A scintillating offensive display by NW London, highlighted by three assists from returning midfielder Hugo Javaloyes, secured all three points for NWL against Newbury Forest.

With the injury list finally easing for the Gorillas, both Lucas Gonzalez and Hugo Javaloyes returned to the starting lineup.

NWL started strongly from the first whistle and stayed on the front foot for the majority of the game. Javaloyes and Melgaco went close early on, before Tryczynski capitalized on a spill from the Newbury goalkeeper, squeezing the ball home from a rebounded free-kick.

Although Newbury spent most of the first half defending, they looked dangerous when moving forward and had a couple of chances. Mendes won the ball near the box and fired in off the near post after cutting onto his left foot, equalising for Forest.

That goal sparked Newbury's best spell of the game, but a crucial save from NWL debutant Kian Eyers proved to be a turning point. A couple of minutes later, Javaloyes drove through the Newbury midfield and set up Okoko, who drilled a superb strike into the corner from just inside the box to give NWL the lead.

As Newbury pushed forward, leaving themselves exposed, NWL capitalised. Javaloyes once again was the architect, sliding in Krasniqi, who made no mistake from 10 yards out just before half-time. 

The second half saw NWL continue on the front foot, dominating possession and consistently pressing forward. Gomes and Tryczynski came close before a skilful run from Javaloyes set up Gonzalez, who finished first-time to seal the contest.

Newbury had few moments in the second half, but they were handed a lifeline when Melgaco was dispossessed near his own box, and a shot rebounded off the crossbar before being rifled in on the follow-up for Mendes's second of the game.

There was a penalty shout from Newbury shortly after, but it was ignored by the referee, securing a convincing victory for NWL.