FSA PRO win against League 2 Academy Outfit Leyton Orient (Match Report)

Apr 9, 20212 min read

It’s been a long time coming but our scholars were back in professional action today as they took on League 2 outfit Leyton Orients U18s.

Due to the pandemic, our scholars have missed out on vital experiences and potentially life changing opportunities over the last 12 months. We caught up with Programme Director Mark Smith a few hours before kick-off, "The boys look sharp and are just excited to be back playing again. It’s been a long time sadly since our last professional game but they don’t look nervous, they look eager and more focused than ever. I’m excited to see how today unfolds”

THE GAME

FSA PRO wasted no time and immediately set the tempo dominating the first 15 minutes of the game. However it was Leyton Orient that took the lead in minute 21 as a deflected shot sailed past keeper Joshua Wormleighton. Unfazed by the goal, FSA PRO were straight back on the attack and it wasn’t long until it was level again. A fantastic solo effort from Suhaib Gunnan made it 1-1 after 34 minutes played.

The goal installed another onslaught for FSA PRO and goals from Charlie Kennett (40') and a second for Suhaib Gunnan (42') gave them a 3-1 lead at half time.

Our team started the second half where they left off in the first. Within minutes it was 4-1 as Louis Bassett (52') tapped home an impressive counter-attack to give FSA PRO complete control. Two late strikes from Leyton Orient gave the home team something to fight for late on, but FSA PRO held tight for a deserved 4-3 victory.

GAME REACTIONS

Jacques Michell - Head Coach London

"It has been great to see our boys perform on this level. They have taken all the tactical work well on board and have shown they are able to compete against professional academies. We are excited about the result and that every player used their chance to show their qualities on this stage."

Mark Smith - Programme Director

"Extremely happy for them as they proved themselves how focused and determined they are. It is now about using this result as momentum into the challenges that lay ahead. The players showed great intensity from kick-off and carried that throughout the entire game. This is just one of many upcoming opportunities our players will have and we are focused now on getting players signed."

FSA PRO 4-3 Leyton Orient FC

Man of the match - Suhaib Gunnan

GALLERY