Molesey who have been winners of this cup at least 3 times in the last 5-6 seasons started this year’s tournament in determined fashion and could of been in front as early as the second minute.

Captain Chris Wales sent his clearance forward and Tayo Oyebola’s pace surprised Connor Gales in the home side’s defence, who seemed to have clipped Oyebola from behind. The referee waved away all appeals to the amazement of the visitors.

The scoring was opened in the 24th minute by a mazy dribble and finish from Athan Smith-Joseph who seemed in the mood from the off. Just two minutes later, another run saw him cut inside and sweep a left footed pass into the path of Tayo Oyebola, who in turn took a touch and buried into the corner of the goal.

Molesey continued to create chances with Tayo Oyebola and Adrian Spence both having shots as well as Dylan Cascoe and the menacing Smith-Joseph. Molesey dominated the half but had one scare when the home side struck the crossbar but were unable to convert from the scrabble that followed.

HT 2-0

Molesey put the result beyond doubt in the 47th minute with the same combination of a left footed through ball from Athan Smith-Joseph for Tayo Oyebola to race through and drive his shot beneath the Goalkeeper.

Adrian Spence then got in on the act when another cross from Smith-Joseph should have been cleared by a defender but landed at the feet of the powerful forward to poke the ball over the line in the 61st minute.

Captain Chris Wales, who once graced this pitch as a home player, capped his return with a goal in the 65th minute when a corner from the left by Dylan Cascoe was headed back across goal by the impressive Sacha M’Baye for ‘Horse’ to nod in from close range.

In the 68’ minute Management made a double substitution of Dre Grobler on for Adrian Spence and Alfie Smith replacing Francis Quarm. Dylan Cascoe again sent in a quality corner from the left with Alfie Smith opening his account for the season with his first touch.

In the 75th minute Elton Gjoni replaced the outstanding Athan Smith-Joseph on the right and caused a threat of his own with his pacy run and shot which the keeper managed to save. Molesey completed this fine display without suffering a shot of note at their goal in the entire second half for Sam Johnson-Freeman to keep a well deserved clean sheet.

The win took Molesey through to face Frimley Green away in the next round. On Saturday we entertain third placed Cheshunt at Walton Road.

MoTM: Athan Smith-Joseph

0.Sam Johnson-Freeman
0.Ashby Charles (A)
0.Ezra Nelson
0.Francis Quarm
0.Sacha M’Baye (A)
0.Chris Wales (c)(G)
0.Ryan Marklew
0.Dylan Cascoe (A)
0.Adrian Spence (G)
0.Athan Smith-Joseph (G)(A)(A)
0.Tayo Oyebola (G)(G)

0.Elton Gjoni
0./
0.Dre Grobler
0.Eric Nwaogwugwu
0.Sean Boothe
0.Alfie Smith (G)

24’ Athan (Ashby)
26’ Tayo (Athan)
47’ Tayo (Athan)
61’ Adrian
65’ Chris (Sacha)
68’ Alfie (Dylan)