The Men’s 3rds football team started their BUCS campaign with a comfortable win, as Kieran Baldwin reports
The University of East London Men’s 3rds kicked-off their campaign in the British University and College Sport Southern League 6B, with a solid 3-0 win against London Metropolitan University 2nds.
A first half goal from Moses Kaddu opened his and UEL’s account to set them on their way, with second half strikes from John Silva and Conor Denham securing what was a largely comfortable win.
UEL started the game quicker out of the two sides on a decent surface at UEL’s new home venue Hackney Marshes. Kaddu should have opened the scoring in the first attack, as he raced clear of the defence and got his shot away, which was well saved.
This would not be the last time Kaddu was left frustrated in front of goal, but his endeavours did pay off, as he raced onto a pass from Cemal Agdelen to tuck the ball past the onrushing LMU keeper to open the scoring.
Penalty
UEL had a great chance to double their advantage shortly after, but Denham missed what looked to be a certain goal inside the box, after good work from right back John Daly had set up the chance.
Both Denham and Shaun Edmunds had opportunities from good areas towards the end of the first half but could not make the right contact with their shots, as both went wide. UEL had to settle for only the one goal advantage in what was a dominant first half.
In the second period, UEL took further control of the game as they began to produce chance after chance. Unfortunately they found a keeper in inspired form. A Denham header was kept out and then Kaddu,s showing great footwork, was twice denied in quick succession.
UEL were then given an all-important decision with 17 minutes to go. Kaddu picked out Silva who was too quick for the London Met defenders and he was brought down inside the box for a clear spot kick. Silva picked himself up and coolly slotted away the resulting penalty, to put UEL in the driving seat.
The East London side wrapped up the match five minutes later, as another ball from Agdelen picked out Denham who produced a fantastic headed flick-on to find the top corner.
Solid defence
The visitors never really tested Julian Amoako in the UEL Goal due to the solid display by the UEL back four, keeping a clean sheet and playing their full part in claiming a well-deserved three points.
UEL Captain Edmunds said: “The game was very good and we’re happy. But as a whole, we have a lot of work to do on our finishing.”
Next week UEL will go on their travels as they face University of Essex 4ths, hoping to build on what has been an impressive start.