North West Neasden A 2-3 Baldon Sports

North West Neasden A saw their quadruple hopes ended as they failed to reach their first London FA Sunday Challenge Cup final, going down 3-2 against Baldon Sports in the semis.

The JC MSFL Premier Division leaders twice came from behind with Danny Daggers and Jake Gottlieb putting them on level terms only to succumb to a 70th minute winner.

Joint-manager Jamie Cole said: “We are all bitterly disappointed but at the end of the day, it’s a measure how far we’ve come that we are so gutted after being beaten by Baldon Sports.

“Instead we have to pick ourselves up and get back to winning ways as soon as possible. We were not outplayed, we just missed out on a little bit of luck at crucial times. We have not been getting the rub lately and that cost us, so let’s hope we start getting our way a bit more for the next few games.”

Captain Lee Cash, who missed the tie through suspension, reflected: “The boys gave their all and can be so proud of the performance and getting to the semis.

“On another day, Neasden could have won the tie but it wasn’t to be. We wish Baldon all the best for the final.

“Now we’re focused more than ever on retaining both the league and Peter Morrison trophy, along with winning the Cyril Anekstein Cup.”

Looking ahead of the league clash against Bafana Bafana, Cole said: “We’re still in the box-seat but have had a real wake-up call with our last two results. We must make sure we raise our game again.”

It was a black weekend for Neasden as their B team were thumped 4-0 by Cetinkaya Cinar.

NWN: Fox, Cole, Gottlieb, Shindler, Ellis, Levenfiche, Stanton, Daggers, Sofier, Stock, Keterman. Sub: Levene