Middlesex County Premier Division
Sporting Hackney 1 – St Panteleimon 4
(Tajbakhsh 2, Orwin, R. Molloy)
(HT 0-1)
Well, they’ve done it. The extraordinary and inspiring story of the new team, conceived in a church, borne of a proud Greek community, with big dreams. And big vision. And now, two whole years unbeaten in the league.
On 5th March 2017, St Panteleimon Football Club, lost 4-0 to New Salamis in a KOPA Division One league game. Since then, they have played 42 league matches, won 35 of them and drawn 7.
Today, 2nd March, 2019, West London travelled to East London, to Hackney Marshes, as the Saints put in a battling performance in windy conditions, to beat Sporting Hackney 1-4.
Noyan Tajbakhsh opened the scoring on 15 minutes with a strong run on the right and a superb low, long shot past the keeper.
A plucky Hackney gave the Saints a few scary moments, but the keeper Donald Manaj was solid and reliable with a couple of good stops.
The Saints could not find their rhythm and were losing the high balls. Half time came with lots to talk about for the boys.
Nerves were quickly settled early in the second half, by top scorer Tajbakhsh who scored again with a lovely first time chip over the keeper, at the 50 minute mark. 0-2.
Sporting Hackney pulled one back with 18 minutes to go and things looked tasty. But the steely Saints (how many times have we said that?), came back with two late goals, from Simon Orwin and Ryan Molloy to make it 1-4. The creators of these last goals being Monti, Katsikas and Albadri.
A flattering score but one that the boys fully deserved, for their togetherness and genuine spirit.
Top of the league. 4 points ahead and two games in hand.
Huge congratulations to everyone. Special mention must be made to their magnetic, visionary and magical manager, George Frangeskou. Two years unbeaten does not happen by chance, or luck. It happens by hard, hard work, intelligence, passion, dedication and, faith first. The supporting committee and community is a solid foundation.
We raise a glass to the whole club.
Reporting by James Neophytou ?
