Match Report : NW London 2-2 (2-4) Letchworth Garden City Eagles

FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round - Saturday 20th September

NW London 2-2 (PEN 2-4) Letchworth Garden City

Rory Gilham 18' (Letchworth Garden City)
Gherardo Lucchesini 33' (NW London)
Hussein Farhat 39' (NW London)
Ryan Morgan 77' (Letchworth Garden City)

NW London's FA Vase campaign came to a heartbreaking end on penalties, as they were beaten 4–2 in a shootout by Letchworth Garden City Eagles after a dramatic 2–2 draw at Coles Park. The result means NW London will have to wait at least another year to try to reach the 1st Round Proper for the first time in their history.

Letchworth started the game brightly, working hard to disrupt NW London's passing rhythm and slow their tempo. Their approach paid off midway through the first half when a long throw slipped through goalkeeper Will Barker's hands to gift the visitors the lead.

That moment sparked NW London into life. Soares forced a save before Gherardo Lucchesini levelled the scores with a superb left-footed volley from a corner scramble. The hosts began to dominate and were repeatedly denied by the outstanding Letchworth goalkeeper, who produced brilliant stops to frustrate Farhat and Wesley Café. Just before the interval, CJ Eseka beat his marker down the right and delivered a low cross for Farhat to tap in, completing the turnaround.

NW London remained in control after the restart, dictating possession and creating chances, but again the Letchworth goalkeeper came up big — saving from Café's long-range effort and tipping Emmanuel Okoko's header wide.

With 15 minutes to play, Letchworth hit back against the run of play, breaking away to chip in an equaliser. The closing stages were tense, with Jose Mata forcing another save and Letchworth flashing a chance wide, but the match went to penalties.

In the shootout, Noah Salama and Ariant Krasniqi were both off target, while Letchworth converted all four of their spot-kicks to book their place in the next round.

It was a cruel exit for NW London, who were in control for long spells but were kept at bay by an inspired goalkeeping display and a determined Letchworth side who made the most of their moments.