Rosen keeps Fairlop's treble dreams alive

Oakwood continued to battle and a strike from Elliot Espinoza saw them draw level at 2-2 to take the tie to extra-time.

It was there that Rosen broke Oakwood's hearts, following some heroics from home goalkeeper Ben Lewis, as he found the net with a decisive strike. 

Fairlop's Jake Sanders told JC Sport: "Another week, another Fairlop victory. Once again we were far from our best but we stuck together and came from behind to win, as we always do.

"A few special mentions today. Firstly, to Brad Porter who was an absolute rock from start to finish, not to mention him notching for first for the club with an excellent volley at the back post.

"Secondly, to Daniel Rosen. He showed his character and courage to come back from a bad miss during normal time to score the winner with eight minutes to go in extra-time.

The win sets Fairlop up nicely for the big, top-of-the-table Essex derby against Redbridge next weekend.

Sanders added: "Onto next week. The treble dream remains alive." Cranking up the mind games, he went on to say: "We thought the cup was this week, but we’re hearing it’s cup again next week as we’re playing in Redbridge’s cup final!"

Oakwood joint-manager Jason Stein insists he team could not have done any more. “It was some effort today from us today," he told JC Sport. "We went into the game depleted, needing to field a debutant and almost came away with a famous win.

“Before the match I asked for physicality and focus, and told the boys that against overwhelming odds you often get the best performances. That was what we got.

“We’ll rue a few chances missed at the death of extra time that could have taken the tie to penalties, but likewise Fairlop will not want to see our goalkeeper Ben Lewis again in a hurry who made some phenomenal saves.

“And while the result didn’t go our way, that was a damn good match played physically by both sides. The only shame is the Fairlop cheerleaders who just don’t give the referee a moment of peace.”