Hounslow Postal were victorious in the Middlesex FA’s Midweek Cup final with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Hayes Postal.   The match was fittingly played at the refurbished Wealdstone FC ground at Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip.

Wealdstone, who were excellent hosts, are to be congratulated on the standard of their new home after their long nomadic existence.

Hounslow Postal’s strike partnership of Liam O’Leary and Luke Craig fully extended the Hayes Postal defence throughout the match.   The ammunition for this duo was supplied by Javier Garcia and Karle Carder-Andrews in midfield.   The latter was named man of the match by the Guest of Honour, Middlesex Councillor, John Jackson.

O’Leary scored Hounslow’s first goal in the 11th minute when he intercepted a rash pass by a Hayes defender across the front of his own penalty area.

Hounslow continued to dominate the game and had several more chances towards the end of the half but were thwarted by Hayes goalkeeper, Andy Thorne or timely defensive work.

However, they doubled their lead during time added at the end of the first half when Javier Garcia converted after a penetrative run through the middle of the defence.

Hounslow continued to dominate after the interval.    Andy Thorne made a point blank save from marauding defender Steve Coultas in the 57th minute and then immediately afterwards Luke Craig rattled his crossbar.    In the 67th minute Liam O’Leary was put through by Carder-Andrews but was foiled by the oncoming keeper’s feet.   Then after 69 minutes Craig had a fierce shot turned for a corner and a minute later Carder-Andrews shot just wide.

During this period the only significant chance that fell to Hayes Postal was skied over the bar by Chris Pryddech after good work by Dean Pleasant.

Hounslow Postal eventually scored their third goal after 78 minutes following a good passing movement which ended with Craig converting Garcia’s final ball.

Hayes Postal now came more into the match and mounted several attacks but keeper Chris Goodchild and his defence were equal to this late challenge.

The match was well controlled by referee Ahmad Rafique and his assistants Derek Hookway and Stewart Capel.   Kevin Munday was 4th official.