Wembley 3-1 North Greenford United – Devante Jones’ Hat-Trick sinks Wembley’s rivals

Wembley FC came out on top against North Greenford United, thanks to a Devante Jones hat-trick. The two sides, separated by just two miles, put on a fiery display at Vale Farm and it was The Lions who took the bragging rights and all three points.

Wembley had the first chance of the game when Jones was slipped through, but his shot was saved by Sam House.

North Greenford’s first half chance came when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, but it flew over the bar. Just moments after, another strike from distance cleared Charlie Wealands goal.

Bizarrely, Wembley number seven Alfie Bates, caused a break in play when his right boot required attention. Thankfully, a new boot had been sourced and he was back on the field moments later.

The Lions managed to break away on a quick counter, but Jones was cleaned out in the corner, resulting in a free kick. However, nothing resulted from it.

Down the other end, Charlie Mitchell squandered a chance to put the visitors ahead when he dragged his shot wide.

Their best chance came when Harvey Killeen forced a very strong save from Wealands, who pushed out a powerful strike from just inside the box.

On the half hour mark, Wembley took the lead when a long ball from Ben Lawson-Hatch went over Connor Butler’s head and found Jones who slotted past the ‘keeper to make it 1-0. On reflection, it came against the run of play but was a very well taken goal. The first of three for the number 11 striker.

The Blues tricky winger Perry Price produced some great skill out on the right-hand side, but his effort went well wide.

Another chance for The Lions but Yassine Fehmi-Gil's final ball was just too close to the last defender and it was cleared.

Just before half time, North Greenford were level when Blues best player by far on the day, Killeen, found space and smashed in an equaliser for his side. Disappointing for Wembley, as they lost the ball across their back line.

HT: 1-1

In the second half, United were given a penalty which caused outrage to everyone at Vale Farm as skipper Fehmi-Gil appeared to win the ball in the box, but the referee had other intentions and gave the spot kick. Price stepped up for the visitors, but a fantastic double save from Wealands kept the score level. The first save came to his bottom left, before he then followed up across his goal.

From this, Wembley took possession and forced a corner down the other end. At first, nothing came from it as it was punched away by House but then an extraordinary finish from Jones put The Lions back ahead. He had time and space outside the box but was stood on the right-hand side. His curled effort flew into the top left-hand corner leaving everyone in total awe.

They nearly doubled their lead when Lawson-Hatch fired a shot, but it went just past the top right-hand corner.

Wembley were more on top in the second 45 minutes and had numerous chances to put the game to bed. Mind you, Killeen kept receiving the ball and stung the palms of Wealands on multiple occasions. His best chance to level the game came from a shot outside the area which just skimmed the outside of the post.

The Lions did finally finish it off though when Chris Allen was brought down in the area, giving Jones the chance to score a hat-trick from the spot. He stepped up and slotted past House to round off a brilliant day for him and his side.

FT: 3-1

This result sees Wembley move up to sixth in the Combined Counties Premier Division North standings and puts them in good stead for next weeks game against Harefield United, once again at home. #COYLions

Wembley Starting XI: Wealands, Osei, Swash, Tyrer, Allen, Larrington, Bates, Rowe, Lawson-Hatch, Fehmi Gil, Jones

Subs: Anwar, Newman, Osborne, Okamakinwa, Moore

North Greenfield Starting XI: House, Baruwa, R. Springer, Cambell, Butler, Mills, Mitchell, McCorkell, Hastings, Killeen, Price

Subs: Brown, Molyneaux, Khan, Harmes, Martin-Thomas

Attendance: 154

Man of the Match: Devante Jones