Match Report

Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South - Saturday 1st March

Newbury Forest 1-2 NW London

Arianit Krasniqi 6' (NW London)
Soumen Nandi 14' (Newbury Forest)
Hugo Javaloyes 88' (NW London)

A dramatic late goal secured all three points for NW London in Ilford, as they edged past Newbury Forest in a tense encounter.

Heading into the game, NW London aimed to continue their strong league form, having won three of their last five matches. Meanwhile, Newbury Forest, sitting 19th in the table, were locked in a relegation battle and desperate for points.

On the newly relaid 4G surface at Redbridge FC's home ground, both teams started with intensity. NW London struck first in the 6th minute when Burcea won possession in midfield and played a beautifully weighted chip into the path of Krasniqi, who exquisitely lobbed the onrushing Newbury goalkeeper to give the visitors an early lead.

Newbury, however, responded quickly. In the 14th minute, a well-placed ball in behind found Nandi, who skillfully cut inside two defenders before finishing into the far corner to level the score.

That moment seemed to ignite NW London, as they took full control of possession against a deep-sitting Newbury side. Despite their dominance, they were repeatedly denied by an inspired Newbury goalkeeper, who made crucial saves to keep out efforts from Krasniqi, Gomes, Rahman, and Javaloyes. The first half ended 1-1.

The second half was a more open affair, with NW London pushing forward while Newbury looked to strike on the counter. Despite NWL's continued possession, their goalkeeper, Casey, was called into action, making two fine saves to tip long-range efforts wide.

As the game progressed, NW London manager Wasim Khan introduced more attacking options, increasing the pressure on Newbury. The home side dug in deep, hoping to hold on for a valuable draw.

Gomes fired just wide, and Javaloyes saw his shot saved, as NW London pressed for a late winner. An offside call in the 80th minute denied Krasniqi what looked like the decisive goal.

However, in the 88th minute, Farhat drove into the box and cut the ball back to Javaloyes, who powered home from close range, sparking wild celebrations from the NW London squad.

The victory marks NW London's fourth win in six matches, lifting them to 11th place in the table. They now turn their attention to their next league fixture against Brimsdown at home next Saturday.