James Milin-Ashmore sees UEL footballers continue their winning streak.
Hertfordshire University 0 – 2 UEL
University of East London continued their unbeaten run this season, brushing aside Hertfordshire University with a goal apiece from Jason Ngandu and Stefan Neilsen.
UEL burst out of the blocks with a succession of early chances, the best effort falling to Ngandu in the 17th minute. A clearance from Richie Robins was spilled by the Herts keeper into the path of Ngandu, whose goal-bound shot was cleared by a last ditch block from the opposition defender.
A succession of UEL attacks pressed at the Herts defence to no avail. Corners, free-kicks and throw-ins were knocked away, as Herts continued to soak up the pressure during the first half, although there were warning signs with Ngandu drawing an impressive save at point-blank range with 28 minutes gone.
Despite the pressure, Herts kept trying to counter-attack on the break, but found the impressive centre-back combination of Nnamdi Egole-Harold and Richard Johnson more than equal to anything they could muster. They struggled to create a decent chance on goal during the first 45 minutes.
The second half started as the first, with UEL having the lion’s share of both possession and goal chances. They finally capitalized in the 53rd minute through Ngandu, who ran onto a threaded pass that split the defence, giving him the space to tap it into the far left corner with the keeper stranded.
To their credit the hard-working Herts side kept pushing, nearly snatching an equaliser in the 56th minute. But with most of the Herts team already celebrating, Richie Robins spread himself well to make a great save at point-blank range.
It took just two more minutes for UEL to double their lead. A corner lofted in by Lamin Bah fell kindly to Nielsen, who volleyed home in an emphatic finish.
UEL continued to make chances. Neilsen nearly doubled his tally with a sweetly-struck volley that just crept over the bar. Meanwhile Herts struggled to find their rhythm.
The UEL juggernaut continues to rumble on. Undefeated all season? On current form they couldn’t lose if they tried.
MOTM – Stefan Neilsen: his goal must be a contender for goal of the season, and he could have had a couple more.