Totteridge FC Yellows Triumph 5-2 At St Johns (Youths)

Totteridge FC Yellows travelled to face St Johns (Youths) in a cup away match at the latter’s ground on 9 November 2025, with kick-off at 10:25am. The 80-minute contest plus added time ended in a convincing 5-2 victory for Totteridge, who demonstrated attacking verve and resilience throughout the encounter.

Totteridge lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Joshan Nijjar in goal behind a back four of Chaise Duff at right back, Muhammed Vayani and Oleg Krivosic as central defenders, and Rory Fairless at left back. The midfield double pivot featured Sam Anderson and Noah Brereton tasked with both defensive cover and ball distribution. Ahead of them, Adam Hussain operated on the right wing, Tatenda Makoni played centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Muhammad Ali Qarni took up the left attacking midfield role. Leading the line was striker Logan Paulse, expected to spearhead the attack and finish chances created by the supporting trio. The substitutes available were Nico Cox and Daniel Shah.

The match burst into life early on when Muhammad Ali Qarni opened the scoring in the 16th minute, expertly converting a chance created by Rory Fairless down the left flank. This early goal set the tone for Totteridge’s attacking intent. However, just four minutes later, the team made a double substitution with Nico Cox replacing Qarni and Daniel Shah coming on for Oleg Krivosic, signalling a tactical adjustment.

Nico Cox quickly made an impact, providing the assist for Tatenda Makoni’s goal in the 37th minute, doubling Totteridge’s lead with a well-timed pass that Makoni finished clinically. The first half concluded with Totteridge comfortably ahead 2-0.

The second half began with further changes as Muhammad Ali Qarni returned to the pitch, replacing Makoni, while Oleg Krivosic came back on for Rory Fairless, who had been shifted off the left back position. This reshuffle aimed to maintain defensive solidity and attacking threat.

Just ten minutes into the second half, Logan Paulse extended the lead to 3-0, finishing off a move expertly set up by Qarni, who was proving influential despite his earlier substitution. The visitors’ dominance was briefly interrupted when St Johns received a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 52nd minute, reflecting the physical nature of the contest.

Totteridge continued to rotate their squad with Rory Fairless returning to replace Sam Anderson in midfield at the hour mark, while Adam Hussain came on for Cox on the right wing. Despite these changes, St Johns managed to pull a goal back immediately in the 60th minute, injecting some urgency into the home side’s play.

The visitors’ lead was further threatened when St Johns scored again in the 68th minute, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 and setting up a tense finale. However, Totteridge responded instantly with Muhammed Vayani rising to the occasion, scoring a crucial equaliser in the 69th minute from his central defensive position, showcasing his aerial prowess and composure under pressure.

As the match approached its conclusion, Totteridge made their final substitutions with Sam Anderson returning to midfield for Noah Brereton and Adam Hussain coming back on for Nico Cox in the 81st minute, reinforcing their midfield and attacking options.

The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Oleg Krivosic, having returned earlier in the half, scored the fifth and final goal for Totteridge, sealing a comprehensive 5-2 victory. His contribution was vital in restoring a comfortable cushion and securing progression in the cup.

Daniel Shah’s introduction proved pivotal, earning him the player of the match accolade for his composed defensive displays and influence on the game after coming on early in the first half. Totteridge’s tactical flexibility and clinical finishing ultimately proved too much for St Johns (Youths), who fought hard but were unable to contain their opponents’ attacking threat.