And although Julian’s will feel hard done by after their ‘ghost goal’, the beautiful game was the winner here, with both teams playing scintillating, attacking and skilful football.
Forget the North London derby, to be played later that day, this match had everything – thrills, spills, shots, blocks – and plenty of drama.
With Alice starting in goal and Elizabeth and Luella playing in defence, Julian’s looked strong at the back.
So it was a shock when a livewire Old Wilsonian attack sneaked in behind and fired their team in front early on.
After scoring for fun in their previous two friendly matches – against Balham Ballers and Balham FC – Julian’s looked stunned. This was a wake-up call for one of the title favourites.
But Julian’s gradually played their way into the game with Esme pulling the strings in midfield and Bo showing some great hold-up play and mazy, dribbling skills down the right.
Cleo, as usual, was playing a blinder. Her astute footballing brain keeping her one step ahead of the opponents. Isabelle was also having a positive impact, dominating in midfield with her slick link-up play and dogged defending.
The early strike saw coach Rob take decisive action, bringing on superstar keeper Zakaiya and moving Alice up front. It worked a treat as a pass from Elizabeth saw the OW defence sliced open and Alice levelled with a calm finish. Julian’s began to believe again.
Back came Old Wilsonian’s and two quick-fire goals before half-time had the home parents jumping for joy on the touchline. They thought it was all over – not by a long shot.
A pinpoint cross from Isabelle into the penalty area saw Luella diving in at the far post. She connected firmly and managed to hit BOTH posts before the ball agonisingly crept across the line. Game on!
Driving forward, Julian’s then drew level again, this time through Bo’s calm and clinical finish.
Another tactical switch saw Elizabeth pushed into the central striking role. This ‘pocket rocket’ gave the OW backline nightmares. Her marauding runs and strength on the ball – frequently taking on two or three defenders at a time – was causing mass panic.
Meanwhile, OW’s attack was still proving dangerous with player-of-the-match Zakaiya called upon to make several stupendous saves, fearlessly throwing herself at the ball with both hands and feet. While Cleo, having to curb her natural attacking instincts, put in a great shift at the back – making numerous last-ditch, goal-saving tackles. Yet they could not stop OW taking the lead yet again.
Then came the controversial moment of the match – the ghost goal. With Julian’s pushing hard, Esme turned and shot. The neat finish hit the metal support just inside the goal and bounced out. “GOAL” shouted the Julian’s coaching staff and supporters. Yet the referee, in good faith, was unsure whether it had gone in or come off the post, and gave a drop ball instead!
Julian’s could have let their heads drop – but back they came. And Elizabeth smashed in the goal, she, and Julian’s, so richly deserved to level the scores.
OW were not finished though and Zakaiya, despite her heroics, could not stop the opposition grabbing a fifth.
Julian’s then laid siege to the OW goal, hitting a post and forcing their keeper into save after save. Luella turned on her turbo boost with two gut-busting runs down the right. Elizabeth then slammed in a shot with such venom that it cannoned off the crossbar and almost made it to the half-way line.
Officially Julian’s Dons lost, it should have been a draw, and it felt like a win, but whatever the result we are so proud of you all.
Come On You Dons!
Report by: Matthew Leach