Match Report
Middlesex Premier Cup Round 1 - Sunday 28th September
NW London 2-1 Rising Ballers Kensington
Kai Nemoto 11' (Rising Ballers Kensington)
Noah Salama 45+3' (NW London)
Rafael Medeiros 49' (NW London)
NW London progressed to the second round of the Middlesex Premier Cup with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Rising Ballers Kensington at Coles Park, just two days after their 2–2 league draw with May & Baker.
Manager Wasim Khan made a full overhaul to the starting XI, giving a number of players their first taste of cup action this season. Despite the changes, NW London controlled possession early, though it was the visitors who struck first. Brazilian goalkeeper Fernando Turriel misjudged a bouncing ball on the wet surface, allowing Rising Ballers to tap in for a 1–0 lead.
NW London gradually warmed into the game, creating a series of opportunities. Lamine Gomes fired straight at the goalkeeper before setting up Ariant Krasniqi, whose header was also saved. A near-miss from Rising Ballers left the score at 1–0 as NWL continued to press.
The equaliser came just before half-time. Noah Salama's shot from the edge of the box took a slight deflection and found the back of the net, bringing the score to 1–1.
The second half saw NW London arrive with renewed confidence. The lead was taken when debutant Rafael Medeiros met a well-timed cross with a diving header to put the Gorillas ahead 2–1. NW had further chances to extend their advantage, but youngster Yvann Yohann scuffed a promising effort after being put through.
Rising Ballers did threaten late on, but Zekariyus Haliu, who had come on as a substitute, made a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve the lead.
Despite a completely changed lineup, NW London never looked in danger and secured passage to the next round of the Middlesex Premier Cup, showing depth and resilience across the squad.