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Fairlop boys here for the long haul

I have the feeling Fairlop FC’s surprise victory over Hendon United is the start of something special.

October 29, 2017 11:09
1 min read

Not many single-team clubs make a major impact in their first season but the seeds have been firmly planted, with some excellent recruitment. And captain Brad Gayer told me the club harbours big ambitions of setting up more teams in the future.

Eyebrows were raised when Fairlop raided Redbridge to take several players from the MGBSFL’s Premier Division to form a new team in Division Two last summer, and namely Player of the Year Ryan Cole. There was always the risk that some big personalities would struggle to be motivated but nothing could be further than the truth. They have led by example and maintained high levels during their unbeaten start.

Goalkeeper Scott Shear certainly came of age in the penalty shoot-out, while defender Max Freedman kept their cup dream alive with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser.

Fairlop have started the season like a house on fire. And their win over Hendon is a sign of things to come. And with Faithfold A having eliminated Redbridge A from the other cup competition, perhaps this will be the year of the underdog afterall.