Southgate M4’s came out on top after tight game away at West Hampstead which saw them go down 1-0 within just 90 seconds of PB.
Captain Dan McGrath asked for a strong start from his side but it took a bit of time for the team including some new faces to settle and West Hampstead scored clinically with a counter attacking goal that showed their threat. The early set back galvanised the visitors and soon Sajiv Saha and Will Wright in midfield were linking play with some strong defensive work protecting the Southgate gaol when West Hampstead continued to break hard and aggressively. Jai Martins went very close in the 8th minute with forcing two strong saves from the WH keeper to keep the home team with their noses in front.
Charlie Rookes was soon seen marching north for a well won PC by Zech Mengrani which was well saved by the West Hampstead keeper, another followed and again well saved. Third time proved the charm as Rookes drilled the ball onto the post for Lik to deflect to equalise for Southgate. Southgate continued to work hard with the forward unit putting in a big shift on a what was a beautiful Spring day at Brent Cross. Dan McGrath and David James proved a tidy half back unit and Scott Ellis proved his Southgate spirit by fending off other commitments to help out and ended up playing almost the whole game.
In the 32nd minute of play another PC was taken and this time Rookes flicked high and again Lik managed to deflect it goal wards completing his brace and Southgate were in front.
The home team scored on the cusp of halftime but after an extensive chat the goal was over-ruled by the umpires and so this end to end game went in at 1-2 at the half time break.
Some firm words of encouragement from Dan McGrath followed and Southgate went about their business with a renewed vigour. Kabir Bowry was ferocious in the attack and was perhaps unlucky on two occasions not to have been awarded a penalty flick. Magic MacClean made some exceptional tackles and found himself putting some great balls into the West Hampstead D. Will Wright back from injury and playing his first league game of the season looked dangerous and had some exceptional moments. Meanwhile Sam Rowson was kept largely quiet but for some sustained bursts of pressure including another disallowed goal to the frustration of the home support. The Southgate team dug deep and did more than just hold on, they fought for the 3rd goal until the final whistle. In the end after the umpires called time it was an exhausted but happy Southgate team that returned to Trent Park with 3 crucial points which should go some way to securing their Div 2 status for next season.
