Locomotive wins under-15s title as youth league season reaches thrilling climax

Published: 24 March, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

CHAMPIONS Locomotive Youth have targeted 100 league goals after winning the Under-15s title in the Camden and Regent’s Park Youth League. 

The team of goal-getters (above) are just seven strikes shy of a century having scored a staggering 93 goals in 18 games. Proud manager Barry Fitzsimmons couldn’t hide his delight as his team collected their championship trophy and winners’ medals on Saturday. 

“They’ve had an amazing season,” he said. “I don’t want to single out any individuals, I just want to thank all the boys for putting in the hard work this season. 

“It’s a fantastic achievement to win the league and remain unbeaten. With only two games to go we’ve scored 93 goals, so the target is to score a hundred.”

Locomotive’s under-14s side are also enjoying plenty of success. They booked their place in the final of the Cheshunt Youth League Cup at the weekend with a 4-0 victory over Leyton United. 

Reuben Hinkson opened the scoring from the penalty spot within minutes of the kick-off after EJ Gyebi was brought down in the area. An excellent pass from Lee Houghton led to the second goal as he played in Jake Casey, who wrong-footed a defender before smashing the ball home for his first goal of the season.

Shane Cojocarel headed home a third, before Hinkson wrapped up the win with his second penalty of the game following a foul on Kadeem Gutzmore. 

As the business end of the season takes hold, teams in the Camden and Islington Youth League are also looking to end their season on a high at the artificial pitches at Market Road. 

In the friendly Under-8s Division Lyndhurst beat Islington Admiral Youth 2-1 thanks to goals from Rees Jones and Emmanuel Makaya. 

In the Under-10s ‘B’ Division, goals from Anthony Needs and Ronnie Swash saw Chapel Boys keep their title hopes alive with a 

2-2 draw against Hampstead. The draw follows on from Chapel’s impressive result against Lyndhurst, where goals from Needs and Alfie Lusardi sealed a 2-0 win. 

In the Under-11s ‘A’ Division, Isledon Wolves came from behind to net a 2-1 win over Regent’s Park. Teddy Baldock forced a Regent’s Park defender to turn the ball into his own net, before Mason Jeakins completed the comeback. 

In the Under-13s ‘A’ Division, Lyndhurst beat title rivals Futebol De Salao 2-1 to keep the title race alive and kicking. Lyndhurst took the lead through Danny Leonard, but FDS looked to have snatched a point when they levelled late on. 

With just a minute on the clock, however, Nathan Wanzola grabbed a late winner to set up a great finish to the season. The result leaves Lyndhurst two points behind FDS with four games to go.