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A Late Darby Goal Sees FC London Settle For Draw

By Mahdi Ghaffaribarzi, 10/07/18, 3:41PM EDT

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FC London, the leader of the regular season, scored first through a Connor Wilson (72') strike but saw it cancelled out by a Marcellus Paul (82') header as the match ended 1-1 and left both sides with no chance to reach the final.

After being defeated by Alliance United in matchday one of the League1 Ontario playoffs, FC London came to make it up against Darby FC, who lost their first match against Vaughan Azzurri (4-0).

Both teams knew the playoffs would be over for them if they failed to win.

London dominated the first 45 minutes and pinned back Darby in their own half, though they weren't able to manage any shot on target and create any real scoring chances.

The only scare of the first half was created by Darby's first genuine attempt in the 35th minute; as a counter-attack by Marcellus Paul met a Shaun Claude Lawson pass, but his final shot was parried away by FC London keeper Anthony Sokalski.


(Photo: Martin Bazyl Photography)

The second half had the same story, as FC London pushed forward to find the net and Darby had almost all of their player sitting back and defending.

After testing Darby keeper Matt Zaikos numerous times, London were able to get the ball in the back of the net, thanks to strikers Connor Wilson (72'). Wilson's wonderful individual skill saw him hit a precise low strike from inside the box to make it 1-0 for the visitors. 

However, the lead lasted only 10 minutes. Against the run of play and out of nowhere, Darby got back on level terms with Paul's (82') header from the middle of the box on a cross from the left side.

After the goal, it was wide open as London pushed even more forward to find the back-of-the-net again and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Both sides had opportunities to score the go-ahead goal but couldn't find a breakthrough as the match finished 1-1.

With this result, Vaughan Azzurri have booked their spot ahead of the final match week.

Darby FC's next match will be on the road against Alliance United FC on Oct. 13 at Centennial College (3:30 pm).

Click here to keep up on all the news, goals, wins and statistics for Darby FC on their team page.

As for FC London, they will meet up with Vaughan Azzurri at Marconi Club London on  Oct.12 (4 pm).

Click here to keep up on all the news, goals, wins and statistics for FC London on their team page.