Totteridge FC Yellows hosted Downley Dynamos Juniors Whites at Four Ashes on 28 September 2025, with kick-off at 11:40am in an 80-minute cup tie. The home side emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline, thanks largely to a hat-trick from striker Logan Paulse.
Totteridge lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Joshan Nijjar in goal. The defensive line consisted of Chaise Duff at right-back, Abdullah Ali and Oleg Krivosic as central defenders, and Rory Fairless on the left. In midfield, Sam Anderson and Noah Brereton operated centrally, providing a double pivot. Ahead of them, the attacking midfield trio featured Nico Cox on the right, Tatenda Makoni centrally, and Adam Hussain on the left, supporting the lone striker, Logan Paulse. The formation was designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking creativity, expecting the full-backs to support wide play and the attacking midfielders to supply chances to Paulse upfront. The substitutes named were Muhammed Vayani, Daniel Shah, Muhammad Ali Qarni, and Leo Adamiec.
The match burst into life immediately as Totteridge took the lead inside the opening minute. Sam Anderson delivered a precise assist to Logan Paulse, who clinically finished to put the hosts ahead. This early goal set the tone for the encounter, forcing Downley Dynamos to chase the game.
A flurry of substitutions followed in the 20th minute, with Totteridge making a wholesale change: Muhammed Vayani replaced Oleg Krivosic in central defence, Daniel Shah came on for Nico Cox on the right wing, Muhammad Ali Qarni took over from Noah Brereton in central midfield, and Leo Adamiec swapped places with Tatenda Makoni in the attacking midfield role. These changes suggested a tactical tweak to refresh the side’s energy and maintain their attacking impetus.
The visitors struggled to respond as Totteridge doubled their advantage in the 28th minute. Rory Fairless, operating from left-back, provided an assist to Paulse, who once again found the net to extend the lead. This goal underlined Paulse’s clinical finishing and Totteridge’s effective use of wide players to create scoring opportunities.
Shortly after, at the 30th minute mark, Rory Fairless was substituted off for Nico Cox, indicating a reshuffle in the defensive and midfield lines. The first half concluded at 40 minutes, with Totteridge comfortably ahead.
The second half saw further changes immediately after the break. Sam Anderson returned to the pitch replacing Noah Brereton in central midfield, while Oleg Krivosic came back into central defence for the substituted Logan Paulse. Tatenda Makoni also re-entered the fray, replacing Adam Hussain in the attacking midfield position. These substitutions appeared aimed at shoring up the defence and midfield while maintaining attacking options.
At 60 minutes, the rotation continued with Logan Paulse reintroduced as striker, replacing Nico Cox. Rory Fairless also returned at left-back, taking over from Chaise Duff. These adjustments restored some of the original defensive structure and attacking threat.
Further substitutions occurred at 66 minutes, with Sam Anderson replacing Daniel Shah in central midfield and Adam Hussain coming on for Tatenda Makoni in the attacking midfield role. This indicated Totteridge’s intent to keep fresh legs in key creative positions as the match progressed.
Downley Dynamos managed to pull a goal back in the 72nd minute, breaking Totteridge’s clean sheet and injecting some urgency into the visitors’ play. However, this was short-lived as Totteridge responded swiftly.
Just two minutes later, in the 74th minute, Logan Paulse completed his hat-trick. Assisted by Noah Brereton, Paulse’s third goal effectively sealed the victory for Totteridge, demonstrating his clinical finishing and importance to the team.
Throughout the match, Abdullah Ali stood out in central defence, earning the player of the match accolade for his composed and commanding performance at the back. His defensive contributions were vital in maintaining Totteridge’s lead despite the visitors’ efforts.
In summary, Totteridge FC Yellows showcased tactical flexibility and attacking prowess at Four Ashes to secure a 3-1 cup win over Downley Dynamos Juniors Whites. Logan Paulse’s hat-trick was the highlight, supported by key assists and solid defensive displays, ensuring progression in the competition.
