1st Team v CB Hounslow United

In the team’s third competitive game of the season North Greenford, confident following the narrow but well deserved FA Cup win at Binfield, produced an impressive performance to notch up their first league points, beating CB Hounslow by three goals to nil.
 
With both teams trying to move the ball quickly, there was a lively, competitive feel about the contest from the outset, and chances were created at both ends although neither keeper was seriously tested.
 
Greenford won their first corner on thirteen minutes and this was followed by a period of Blues pressure which led to a second corner, a free-kick awarded in a dangerous position and a good move involving Anthony O’Connor and George Moore midway through the half.  Unfortunately the Blues striker scuffed his shot and the ball was comfortably dealt with by the Hounslow defence.
 
The deadlock was finally broken shortly after the contest passed the half hour mark.  Another dangerous Greenford move ended with the ball played out to left midfielder Sandro Costa.  Costa was fouled as he drove into the home penalty area and referee Luke Donaldson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
 
Moore stepped up to take the spot kick and on this occasion struck the ball cleanly with a fierce strike into the roof of the net that gave CB keeper Alex Wines no chance.  The visitors were lifted by the goal and came close to extending their lead on 40 minutes when Moore himself broke clear after winning the ball, but his shot could only find the side netting.
 
Determined to level the score before the interval CB Hounslow put pressure on the Greenford defence, winning three corners in quick succession on the stroke of half-time.  The hosts though failed to convert and their opponents were able to hold on to their slender first half advantage.
 
The second period began in the same vein with Greenford midfielder Danny Vincent having a shot blocked in the opening minute and Hounslow pressing hard to get back on level terms.  Ten minutes into the half, however, it was the visitors who began to control the game, and it was their turn to win a string of corners with Wines needing to pull off an excellent save to keep out a powerful Nathan Munroe header.
 
An impressive run by Greenford’s Jamal Velinor was followed by a swift CB counter attack which again they were unable to capitalise on.  Then back at the other end another foul on Costa led to a Vincent free-kick delivered into the danger area.  The ball was not cleared by the home defence and eventually bobbled invitingly in front of O’Connor who kept his composure to drive it into the back of the net.
 
Five minutes later Greenford further built on their advantage, adding a third when Moore finally secured his brace with an unstoppable low strike into the corner which left Wines well beaten.
 
From that point, although the CB Hounslow players continued in their efforts to get back into the game, Greenford protected their lead well and in the end were able to record a comfortable victory.
 
NGU Team: Ben Clargo, Joshua Lewis-Evans, Nikolas Muller, Nathan Munroe, Anthony Rowlands (Kieron Gradwell 75), Jamal Velinor, Anthony O’Connor (Carl Bower), Tre Trowers, George Moore, Daniel Vincent, Sandro Costa (Charlie Conner 77)