FAIRytale ending

FOOTBALL AARON Dias insists there is more to come after second division Fairlop FC sent three-time winners Hendon United crashing out of the Peter Morrison Trophy.

The hosts needed a 96th minute equaliser from Max Freedman to force an extra 30 minutes and were thankful to debutant Scott Shear for a last-gasp save in extra-time to force penalties.

After two saves from Shear and successful spot-kicks from Freedman, Bradley Gayer and Aaron Dias, it was down to another new arrival James Jaconelli to sweep home and spark wild scenes amongst the Fairlop players and fans.

Dias said: “I’m so proud and happy for all the players and our ever-growing fan base.

“We knew it was going to be tough today and to be fair to Hendon, they have some top-quality players with lots of experience at this level but our pure passion and determination won us this football match.”

Hendon had taken the lead three times, through player-manager Greg Corin, Dovi Fehler and Zac Lewis, but the Premier Division giants were pegged back on each occasion as firstly Jaconelli smashed Ryan Cole’s excellent cross into the bottom corner.

Freedman made it 2-2 midway through the first half and just when it looked like Fairlop’s cup dream was over, Gayer kept the ball alive and found Freedman who rifled the ball into the net.

Dias continued: “Special mention to a few people. Firstly, the three new boys that were drafted in this week — all were excellent. Max Freedman, is fast becoming the Jewish Sergio Ramos, with his crucial goals from centreback. Birthday boy Daniel Bean was once again a joy to watch in the middle. And I can’t mention one half of the engine room without congratulating his partner in crime Matt Berkeley. Both broke up the play very well.

“Thank you to all our friends and parents who came to support , it really does make a difference.”

Dias admits winning MGBSFL Division Two remains the priority for Fairlop but having “knocked out one of the favourites for the cup, we might as well go and win it now”.

Fairlop captain Brad Gayer commented: “Passion and hard work can win you games and we showed that. Yes players like Ryan Cole, Dan Bean and myself are all Premier Division level comfortably, however this was a joy to watch. For some of the boys that have only just started playing 11 a-side this season, it won’t get better than this for them.”

Hendon player-manager Greg Corin described his the cup exit as “a bad day for the club.”