JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
NORTH WEST NEASDEN A 5 FC TEAM A 3
Darren Yarlett, the Neasden joint-manager, praised the heroics of Lee Cash after the striker fired a hat-trick to put the team top of the table in a game they trailed 2-0 after just seven minutes.
FC Team raced out of the blocks at Hadley FC, but co-boss Cash had other ideas in an enthralling eight-goal contest.
Marc Lazare, with his fifth goal in four games, and Jonny Haik sealed the points as Neasden leapfrogged Hendon A, although they have played three games more.
FC Team's goals came through Shai Davidi (2) and Richard Salmon.
NWN joint-manager Darren Yarlett told JC Sport: "I've played and coached Lee for the last six years with Neasden and London Lions' Saturday side. In my opinion, there is no one better in the division at putting the ball in the back of the net. He was born to score goals. The fact he is now playing in a front two rather then outwide suits him even more.
"That's six in three for Lee now and seven in total. He has also missed four games through injury this season so huge credit to him."
Looking back on the match, Yarlett went on to say: "I was very frustrated early on, I gave the lads clear instructions before the game to avoid a repeat of the first 15 minutes from our last encounter with FC Team when we were 3-0 down in 15 minutes. It seemed like some of my players didn't want to be out there today but to their credit they managed to turn it around.
"I thought we contolled the last 25 minutes of the first half and managed to draw level. We started fast in the second half and got the third then switched off for 15 minutes and conceded a sloppy goal. The lads dug deep and scored two fantastic goals to get the fourth and fifth.
"We have now hit 21 in six league games. We showed character by coming from behind for the fourth time this season. Lee Cash and Marc Lazare have scored 10 goals between them in the last three games.
"I felt over the balance of play, we deserved the win but credit to Mitch and his boys who ran us all the way. I may have to put a bid in for Richard Salmon who was very good again today!"
With a fit Cash now firing on all cylinders, Yarlett believes Neasden can still win some silverware this season. He added: "I think we are good enough to win it but for me it is Hendon's to lose. They are the best side we faced this season and the most orgaised.
"I do think the two games against them came a bit early for my new side but nothing we can do about that.
"Faithfold are also up there and you cant ever write of the champions Redbridge, who we face next week.
"I'd also like to congratuate John Nitka and his Brixton side on reaching the semi-final,. Any team that knocks Neasden then Redbridge out deserve huge praise."
