Salvos 1st XI reach first senior final since 1971!

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Expectations were high as the 1st XI prepared for the semi-final of the London Old Boys Cup at home to Glyn Old Boys. The last time the 1s had reached a final was in 1970-71, when losing to Old Fincunians; only a handful of times since had the 1's reached a semi final, losing on each occasion.

 

Glyn belied their record of 4 league losses from 7 played and a mid table place in Division One (South). The game started at a frantic pace, neither side willing to give any quarter, the tone was set by Gerry Gallen who won everything in the air and numerous ground tackles in a physical battle with Glyn's centre forward. As the half wore on, Salvos were the better side and should have had more than Ahmed Elsahib's single goal to show at half-time, although both sides had created chances. 

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The second half continued the theme of the first, with no letting up in the pace. Glyn were playing more long balls to their tall forwards and this paid off mid way through the half, James Smith misjudging a long ball and the ball ricocheting in for the equaliser. Salvos overcame this set back with Ryan Forde increasing controlling midfield and in one 10 minute spell before full time created a number of chances with excellent play from Jamal Yates and Ahmed Elsahib in particular. Glyn's goalkeeper made a couple of superb saves. 

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Extra time was much of the same although Glyn had an excellent chance to clinch it at the death, but the game end all square with the spectre of a penalty shoot out. Scoring the fist two penalties with Glyn missing, Salvo then missed their next two, effectively creating a shoot out at 2-2. The Glyn captain blazed over leaving Kyle O'Connor to convert with an excellent penalty low to the goalkeeper's right. 

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For pictures and video, please see the Clubs Instgram page. 

 

2nd Team – basically a day to forget , losing 1-8 to a good Vaughanians side. In the words of manager of Mark Coombes, "too many mince pies and lack of fitness". Nough said. 

 

3rd Team – After a hiatus of 8 weeks, the 3's started well against Latymer, creating a number of chances. Goals from Niall Twomey and Seye Adegoke, gave Salvos a 2-0 half time lead and they started the second half well. Mid-way through the half a second from Niall Twomey secured the points, marred only by a lapse in concentration allowing Latymer a late consolation. 3-1 win.  

 

4th Team – A tough start to the yar, with an away trip to top of the table Southbury Athletic. Both teams were reduced to 10 men after only 10 minutes. Salvo held their own for most of the half, but went in 0-1 down at half-time. Southbury dominated the second half, scoring two more before Salvos picked up a consolation through Kai Murphy towards the end of the game. Lost 1-3.