Staged at Charlton Athletic’s training ground, the match took place under the floodlights in front of more than 150 spectators.
Having ridden the initial press and pressure from Welling, the young Lions started to impose themselves on the game and were first to every loose ball and then second ball.
Their intensity was undeniable with Welling unable to cope with the Lions desire and determination to win every small battle.
Joe Carmona on the right wing was having a field day with the Welling left-back and having gone on one of his winding runs in the 20th minute, was brought down in the box and awarded a penalty. He stepped up and buried the spot kick to give the Rowley Lane side a 1-0 lead.
Their lead was doubled ten minutes later when after some strong tackles, Joe beat his man again before sending a ball across the face of the box where Daniel Gillary was on hand to glance home a header to send the Lions into the break 2-0 up.
The restart saw Welling change their right-back, goalkeeper and formation, but the changes didn’t affect Lions, who with Alex Duschak leading the line, enjoyed an incredible battle with the Welling centre-half.
The Lions’ midfield remained relentless in their task to block the middle and protect their back four, before Max Teacher came off the bench having been sidelined with injury for the past few weeks. Within seven minutes of his introduction, following some excellent work from Josh Doctors, he shimmied his way past four defenders to slot home and make it 3-0.
Welling were offered a glimmer of hope five minutes later when Lions conceded a needless penalty, however Dylan Joseph was equal to the effort, not only saving the shot but also catching it and keeping hold of it.
London Maccabi Lions U18 team celebrating after beating Welling United 4-0 in the London FA County Cup.[Missing Credit]
The fourth goal was then merely just a matter of time and is saw Joe, who was also awarded man-of-the-match by The London FA, claim his second of the evening and complete the 4-0 scoreline.
Speaking after the match, manager Lee Glassar said: “I’m beyond proud of this very special group of boys. I’ve had them since they played in the U11s and having worked with them for so many years, I’m just so happy for each and every one of them and their parents.
“They listened to the instructions, understood the plan and executed it to perfection. They made a very good side look ordinary and that doesn’t happen by accident. They couldn’t live with our intensity or desire to win every tackle. We were immense and with the help of coaches Steve Grenfel and Darren Yarlett only one team deserved to win that match. Mazal tov to the boys, their families and to the entire club. This is for everyone associated with Lions.”
