Leicester Nirvana 0 – 3 Anstey Nomads

Anstey Nomads secured their place in the Westerby Group Challenge Cup final for the second consecutive year with a commanding victory over Leicester Nirvana in a hard-fought semi-final. A brace from Zayn Hakeem and a goal from Jacob Fenton proved decisive, as the holders pounced on key moments to see off a strong-willed Nirvana side.

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Action from the Challenge Cup semi-final at Hamilton Park

The away side came into this game as favourites, given their higher league status and Nirvana missing key players. Despite this, the United Counties Football League side proved to be a tough opponent in the opening stages.

While the away team controlled possession, Leicester Nirvana stayed disciplined and alert throughout. In the opening 10 minutes, chances were limited with Nirvana’s advances being halted by offsides twice.

With the first half progressing, the Nomads started to show their dominance, maintaining possession well, with Oscar Tonge delivering dangerous crosses from the left flank.

Around the 30-minute mark, the breakthrough came. A well-worked attack saw the ball slotted through on Tonge’s overlapping run and he delivered a precise low cross across the face of goal, allowing Hakeem to tap it in and put the away side up 1-0.

Nirvana responded well, showing their attacking intent and promise. An inviting cross from the left side led to a shot on goal that was well stopped by Nomads’ keeper, Conrad Logan.

Just before halftime, Tony Blanchard’s side threatened to double their lead after a lobbed through ball found Zayn Hakeem, leaving him one-on-one with Dan Farrell. However, his effort was well saved by Nirvana’s shot stopper, who marked a solid defensive shift from the home side.

As the referee blew the whistle, commencing the second half, Anstey looked to extend their lead and put the game away. Just after 10 minutes, they won a free kick around 21 yards out, but their effort struck the wall and resulted in a well defended corner.

The game’s pivotal moment came after Farrell received a pass from his defender, with his heavy touch allowing Hakeem to pounce and finish into an open net, marking his and the Nomads’ second goal of the night.

As the momentum was under the firm grasp of the Nomads, they continued to press forward and dominate possession. However, Nirvana defended well, preventing the lead from extending through a goal-line clearance and Farrell’s reactionary stop.

As the 70th minute approached, it was clear Nirvana’s fatigue had taken its toll, as they were unable to stop Oscar Tonge’s low cross to substitute Jacob Fenton, whose audacious backheel flick looped over the keeper, sealing the game at 3-0.

As the final whistle blew, it marked a commendable effort for both teams. Despite Nirvana’s first half effort, the second half proved to be a mismatch in intensity, as the depth, structure and quality of the Challenge Cup holders triumphed.

Anstey Nomad’s quality was the main difference maker, allowing them to seal a convincing win and continue their quest to retain the Challenge Cup. On the other hand, Nirvana exits the cup with their heads held high, showing resilience throughout.

Player of the Match: Zayn Hakeem (Anstey Nomads)

Referee: Karl Donaghey

Assistant Referees: Akil Howson and Minesh Gupta