PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE
FAIRLOP FC 3 HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB 3 (After extra-time - Fairlop won on penalties)
James Jaconelli and Max Freedman (2) registered for Fairlop, with Hendon's goals coming via Greg Corin, Dovi Fehler and Zac Lewis.
Hendon took the lead three times, but were pegged back on each occasion as firstly Jaconelli hammered home from a stunning Ryan Cole to level things at 1-1.
The hosts needed an injury-time equaliser from Freedman to force an extra 30 minutes and were thankful to debutant Scott Shear for a last-gasp save in extra-time to force penalties.
After two saves from Shear and successful spot-kicks from Freedman, Bradley Gayer and Aaron Dias, it was down to another debutant Jaconelli to sweep home and spark wild scenes amongst the Fairlop players and fans.
Freedman then headed Fairlop level midway through the first-half and just when it looked like the newcomers cup dream was over, Gayer kept the ball alive and found Freedman who needed no second invitation to slam the ball.
Jubilant Fairlop boss Aaron Dias told JC Sport: "Well, well, well, Danny, looks like the boaty boys were braver than your pre game prediction.
"I'm so proud and happy for all the players and ever-growing fan base. We knew it was going to be tough today and to be fair to Hendon they have some top quality players with lots of experience at this level but our pure passion and determination won us this football match.
"Special mention to a few people today. Firstly, the three new boys that were drafted in this week, all were excellent. Max Freedman, soon becoming the Jewish Sergio Ramos, with his crucial goals from centre-back. Happy birthday to one half of our engine room Daniel Bean, who was once again a joy to watch in the middle.
"I can't mention one half of the engine room without congratulating his partner in crime Matt Berkeley, who both broke up the play very well. Thank you to all our friends and parents who came to support today, It really does make a difference."
Reflecting on a morning to remember, Dias added: "The league is still our main focus and winning the title is our main aim but I guess now we have knocked out one of the favourites for the cup, we might as well go and win it now.
"See Danny, told you we would be in the hat for the next round, all the boys are hoping for a local rival in the next round, if there are any left in the hat that is..."
Hendon player-manager Greg Corin told JC Sport: "It was not a good day for the club."
