PA Chondi Touray netted twice as Levels lifted the Essex Cordell Under 13s Cup supported by GoCardless following a 2-1 victory against Aveley at Parkside.
Striker Touray opened the scoring a minute before half time, Kaiden English levelling the match seven minutes into the second period. However, Touray converted again with six minutes left prompting Manager, Gabriel Aboagye, to pay tribute to his trophy-winning squad, explaining: “Hopefully the future is bright for them.”
“Obviously, I respect the opponent – they got here for a reason as well. Massive respect to them. Had some moments in the game as well. We dug deep and adjusted to the game. We’ve got some fantastic players in there.”
Following a competitive opening 19 minutes without many clearcut opportunities, Aveley went close. Set-piece specialist Roman Sumner’s corner was floated into the danger zone, and English’s effort from close range narrowly cleared the crossbar. At the other end six minutes later, a pass was cut back by Ronnie Addotey to Levels team mate Andreas Koffas, whose low strike had to be smothered by goalkeeper, Louis Arrowsmith.
Just before the half-hour, Touray showed some of the initiative which would be so crucial later in the final, getting a sight of goal for Levels from an acute angle on the right, though he shot straight at the Aveley ‘keeper on this occasion. Benjamin Duah also did very well to shift the ball to his left and craft a shooting opportunity around the edge of the penalty box, which finished up just wide of the post for Levels. The important breakthrough wasn’t far away.
It had been on the cards that Levels would move ahead, and they did just that as Touray dribbled between defenders and tapped wide of the advancing keeper from a couple of yards in the 34th minute. Shortly after half time, they could have extended their advantage.
The impressive Touray advanced into a dangerous area on his way into the Aveley box, but he sent his shot off-target. It was the same player involved again moments later, custodian Arrowsmith proving equal to his strike once more, rushing from his goal to get down and block. This would prove particularly pivotal, as Aveley equalised.
Having been in a similar scenario shortly beforehand, English won a 42nd-minute a ground battle with the goalkeeper, then knocked the loose ball into the empty net. A few minutes later, Seb Garwood thundered a free kick against the centre of the crossbar, with Aveley gaining confidence. However, in the 64th minute, Levels’ prolific Touray took advantage of some confusion in the goalmouth and diverted home from a couple of yards.
In injury time, Levels’ Adetayo Sanyaolu attempted an audacious lob from a long way out, which landed on top of the net, though their slender advantage proved sufficient to win the cup. After the match, Coach Terry Bobie, was able to praise some talented players within the squad who have bright futures: “Yes, some really good players. Credit to Gabs. He’s assembled this team really well at the beginning of the season.”
“Some boys ‘played up’, so they came down to their own age group. And the rest were ones who were picked up from my trial. I think it takes good management, and time as well, to assemble a team to do the treble this season. They’re the first age group in our club to win an Essex County Cup, which is an absolutely fantastic achievement. I think it will sink in later on. There’ll be some stars in this group right now.”
Aveley: Louis Arrowsmith, Mario Khan, Alfie Chambers, Oliver Clancy, Roman Sumner, Seb Garwood, Maxwell Davids, Kaiden English, Jack Cuffley, Aaron Zhou, Charlie Waller. Substitutes: Chase Bould, Elija Ajala, Daniel Lawal, Noah Vickers, Luke McKay. Manager: Charlie Arrowsmith.
Levels: Hubert Szalecki, Armani Malaika Kaweesi, Alan Tymoteusz Szawan, Adetayo Sanyaolu, Pa Chondi Touray, Benjamin Duah, Chamberlain Williams-Chuior, Daniel Omowole, Andreas Koffas, Ronnie Addotey, Mehkai Ashan Clarke-Forde. Substitutes: Godswill Onogun, Jeremiah Dixon, Clay Walker, Kassidy Samuels, Malachi Kolawole Morgen. Manager: Gabriel Aboagye.
Referee: Oliver Mentessi.
Assistant Referees: Jack Towell and Ellis Warner.
Fourth Official: Lee Harpaul.
Attendance: 356.
