Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South - Saturday 6th December

NW London 1-4 Newbury Forest

Eben Mbona 40' (Newbury Forest)
Elijah Mambombe 60' (Newbury Forest)
Eben Mbona 86' (Newbury Forest)
Yotam Tesfameskel 89' (NW London)
Yasin Musah 90+1 (Newbury Forest)

NW London fell to a 4–1 home defeat against league leaders Newbury Forest, extending their losing run to four matches. Despite the final scoreline, the contest again followed a frustratingly familiar pattern: NW London dominated long spells—particularly in the first half—only to be punished by Newbury's ruthless efficiency in key moments.

The Gorillas made a bright and energetic start, carving out several major chances. CJ Eseka intercepted a loose pass but couldn't beat the goalkeeper from close range. Soon after, Malanding Sanyang burst through on goal but saw his low effort saved. Eseka later rounded the goalkeeper brilliantly, only for the keeper to recover enough to deflect the shot narrowly wide.

With Wesley Cafe dictating the midfield, NW London looked in full control—but were hit with a sucker punch shortly before halftime. Against the run of play, Eben Mbona jinked past Sontan and then Turriel before finishing coolly from a tight angle to give Newbury a 1–0 lead (40').

NW London responded strongly at the start of the second half. Cafe cut inside and fired wide, while Eseka saw another promising opportunity saved. But once again, Newbury struck at the perfect moment. A deflected effort looped over Turriel, doubling the visitors' lead—credited to Elijah Mambombe (60').

Chasing the game, NW London continued to push forward, but Newbury grew more secure defensively while remaining dangerous on the counter. Their forward line punished NW London once more when Mbona again found space, dribbled past Sontan and finished clinically to complete his brace (86').

NW London deservedly pulled one back late on. Debutant Yotam Tesfameskel raced through and produced a composed left-footed strike through the goalkeeper's legs, making it 3–1 (89').

However, any hopes of a dramatic finish evaporated moments later. Yasin Musah curled a precise effort from outside the box into the corner (90+1'), restoring Newbury's three-goal lead and sealing a statement victory for the league leaders.

Despite the heavy defeat, NW London created enough chances to feel the game could have played out differently. Yet Newbury Forest demonstrated why they sit at the top of the table—absorbing pressure and punishing every lapse with clinical precision.