Charlton Athletic 1
Prospects 2 Pro Academy 1
(Prospects2Pro Academy win 2-4 pens)
Report by Harvey Latimer
Canadian side Prospects 2 Pro celebrated their first year at the SuperCup NI by winning the Globe section against English opponents Charlton Athletic.
This Junior Globe final had to be decided by spot kicks, with Anthony Villella saving two penalties and striker Andreas Zaprianov converting the winner.
The Londoners started the brightest and were on top for large spells in the first half. Kelechi French was lively in the Canadians box and nearly got on the end of Josham Ziya’s cross. The latter looked dangerous, as did Chetam Ezenwata who fired his long ranger wide of the target.
French then was presented with a great opening after slack defending from the Canadian defence but ‘keeper Villella denied him. French wasn’t discouraged and did score the first goal of the game. Ezenwata’s cross was headed back across goal by Chibizo Okoli to French who made no mistake this time.
Prospects 2 Pro striker Zaprianov carved out a fantastic opportunity to equalise before the break, troubling the Charlton backline by going on a mazy run and squaring the ball to the onrushing Zarius Watt who sent his effort high and wide.
Early in the second half Villella was required on a number of occasions, saving from Okoli and Harry Randall. His blushes were spared by defender Davion Simms who came to the rescue to clear when the keeper misjudged a cross. Then came the chance the Canadian fans were hoping for. Zaprianov brought down by Charlton goalkeeper Benjamin Spencer in the box as the referee awarded a stonewall penalty. However, Spencer made amends by saving Zaprianov’s spot kick.
The Canadian striker would get a chance to redeem himself and in slightly controversial fashion. A long ball cued a tussle between the striker and Chetam Ezenwata. The referee ruled that no foul was committed as Zaprianov shrugged him off, rounded Spencer and poked the ball into a gaping goal.
In the shootout, both sides missed their first penalties. The following five penalties were converted before Addicks defender Josham Ziya saw his shot saved by Anthony Villella. Zaprianov tucked away the next to crown his side Junior Globe winners.