SB United Win First Match in Middlesex County Cup

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Disciplined display gives team deserved  victory, says Andrew McGowan

Middlesex County Cup Round 1
Shepherds Bush United FC 2 - 1 Burnt Oak BM FC

A disciplined and organised display from Shepherd’s Bush United saw them carve out a deserved 2-1 victory over Burnt Oak BM FC in a game of few chances on Sunday.

Both sides took time to settle at Southfields, and the visitors began enterprisingly, communicating well and pressing high up the pitch. However, despite congestion in midfield and a lack of pattern to the game, The Bush began to assert themselves and it was no surprise when they took the lead before the half-hour, James Freeman deftly glancing in a left-wing Scott Brown corner.

Burnt Oak struggled to impose themselves and an optimistic effort from 30 yards into the gusting wind which flew wide was the sum of their efforts. Meanwhile, the intelligent prompting of Brown and Adam Thomas in the channels saw the visiting keeper tested on a few occasions as Burnt Oak were pinned back for a short, frantic spell.

The second half saw more frustration for Burnt Oak, as a few neat interchanges in midfield broke down and they remained static in the final third. Following a couple of good chances from dead balls, Shepherd’s Bush then doubled their lead when Thomas burst free down the left and cut the ball back – it eventually made its way to the far post where it was expertly volleyed home by Callum Donald from close range.

Burnt Oak won and side-footed home a late penalty following a foul by the goalkeeper, but in truth never looked close to finding an equaliser.

Andrew McGowan.

For more information about Shepherd's Bush United FC, visit the website.

 

October 10, 2013