The U18s played a visiting Harrow team this afternoon and found the going tough, conceding 2 goals in a pacy first half. But from the restart Philipp Wenzel began a move involving some 8 Casuals players, and ending with him scoring with a backhand shot from a narrow angle, all this without a Harrow player having touched the ball. This stung the visitors into action, and a goal from a well-worked breakaway restored their two-goal advantage.

U18 Team v Harrow

The Casuals midfield of Tommy Hilt, Hugo Jesus and Andre Teixeira continued to work hard to contain the Harrow attack, and Goncalo Brito in goal made some vital saves. From a penalty corner Philipp pulled the score back to 2-3 with a powerful drag-flick into the roof of the net. But, when Harrow again stretched their lead to 2-4, they seemed to be in control. However Casuals fought to pressure their opponents, and a great long ball from Tommy found Philipp inside the circle – his turn and backhand shot completed his hat-trick and gave them a glimmer of hope at 3-4. With 1 minute left on the clock, Diogo Brito drilled a through ball to Harrow’s penalty spot, where Joao Ralha crowned his tireless work rate with a lovely deviation that beat the keeper and gave the Casuals a well-earned 4-4 draw.

Tony Pringsheim