London Cup – Second Round

Norlington 4–4 Riverside (Norlington win on penalties)

Norlington produced a performance of immense grit, spirit and drama as they edged past last year’s Essex Cup champions Riverside in a pulsating London Cup second-round tie that had everything: defensive resilience, attacking flair, late heartbreak, and last-second redemption.

Facing the strongest opposition they’ve met this season, Norlington set up in a disciplined 5-3-2, aiming to frustrate Riverside’s well-known attacking threat. The game plan worked superbly early on. The back five stayed organised, the midfield worked tirelessly to shut down passing lanes, and George Burns and Musa Raza chased relentlessly up top, forcing mistakes and giving Riverside little comfort.

But two uncharacteristic lapses in communication cost Norlington dearly, gifting Riverside a pair of soft first-half goals. Despite the scoreline, the team went into the break knowing the structure was working — and they came out transformed.

A switch in shape after half-time ignited the comeback almost instantly. First, Laith Dustagheer whipped in a corner that flew directly into the net, sparking belief. Just minutes later, George Burns squeezed in a finish from an impossibly tight angle to level the match at 2–2.

From that moment, Norlington seized control. The press was relentless, the tackles fierce, and every attack carried intent. The breakthrough came when goalkeeper Ahmed Wasim launched a towering goal kick that bounced over the Riverside back line. Burns pounced, meeting it on the volley from 20 yards to fire Norlington into a 3–2 lead — a stunning goal that sent the sideline into uproar.

Norlington looked firmly in charge, but football is rarely that simple. With ten minutes remaining, Riverside snatched an equaliser on the counter. Then, with just two minutes left, another Riverside break caught tired Norlington legs scrambling, and suddenly the hosts were 4–3 down. Agony.

But this Norlington side does not quit.

With seconds left — literally ten on the referee’s watch — Musa Raza tore down the wing and delivered a perfect cross. Laith Dustagheer controlled, steadied himself, and buried the finish to complete a heart-stopping equaliser. 4–4. Penalties.

Laith, Ahmad and Isa all converted confidently. Tarik Beekawoo showed courage to step up but saw his effort saved. The pressure then fell to Ayhem Moustefauoi, who stood over the decisive kick as the calmest man in Peter May sports Centre, One composed run-up, one ice-cold finish — and Norlington were through.

Final Score: 4–4 (Norlington win on penalties)

Norlington Scorers: Laith Dustagheer, George Burns (2), Isa

Assist Highlights: Ahmed Wasim with a long-range assist from a goal kick

Players of the Match:

George Burns – relentless work rate, two crucial goals, constant threat.

Musa Raza – tireless pressing, creativity throughout, and the last-second assist that saved the cup run.