Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South - Saturday 30th August
NW London 3-2 FC Baresi
Wesley Cafe 33' (NW London)
Wesley Cafe 48' (NW London)
Sertan Kimran 50' (FC Baresi)
CJ Eseka PEN.83' (NW London)
Omosheni Oshodi-Atinmo 90+3' (FC Baresi)
NW London followed up their FA Vase success with a return to league action, edging past FC Baresi 3–2 in a lively contest at home.
There was just one change to the side, with talented youngster Bernardino Andeme coming back into the starting line-up. Top scorer CJ Eseka had the game's first chance, firing narrowly wide from a tight angle, before Baresi responded with threats from their wide players. NW London went closer still when Andeme was denied by the goalkeeper from close range.
The match had an open feel, but it was NW London who broke the deadlock. Eseka fed Farhat, whose strike was parried, and after his initial effort was saved, Wesley Café bundled in the rebound to make it 1–0.
After the break, NW London raised the tempo and doubled their advantage through a well-worked move. Andeme's excellent cross found Café, who calmly volleyed home his second of the afternoon.
At 2–0, the hosts appeared comfortable, but a costly error brought Baresi back into it. Goalkeeper Will Barker was dispossessed while attempting to dribble from a pass back, allowing the visitors to reduce the deficit to 2–1.
The visitors grew in belief, but NW London defended well on the break to prevent clear chances. At the other end, Andeme was again denied from close range by another sharp stop from the Baresi goalkeeper.
NWL regained control when substitute Al-Nashi was fouled in the box, and Eseka converted the penalty to restore a two-goal cushion at 3–1.
Baresi kept pressing and struck late with a rasping effort from the edge of the box that beat Barker at his near post, but it proved only a consolation.
In the end, NW London's quality in key moments was enough to secure the points, with Café's brace and Eseka's spot-kick proving decisive.