Isledon Wolves’ winning squad: Joel Allotay, Elijah Ali, Adam Shamayun, Lorenzo O’Sulliavan, Harley Frasener, Alfie Fernandes, Eliyas Islam, Ethen Joseph and Shay Elay

THIRD time really was the charm for talented young footballers from Isledon Wolves as they finally got their hands on the Camden & Islington Development Cup.

Having been runners-up in the previous two seasons, the Under-10s squad were “more determined than ever” to win the much sought-after silverware at Market Road earlier this month.

After navigating their way through a tough group, Wolves went on to beat a strong LSS side in the quarter-finals 1-0 thanks to Ethen Joseph’s last-gasp winner.

In the semi-finals they netted another 1-0 win, with Lorenzo O’Sullivan heading home the only goal of the game against North West.

In a repeat of last year’s final, Wolves then went up against European Football Academy. It proved another match of fine margins as Harley Frasener’s stunning free-kick settled matters to spark wild scenes of celebration among the Wolves players, their parents and club coaches.

“I said to the boys at the beginning of the day the tournament was going to be a survival of fittest,” said manager John Powles. “It’s tough to play 7 x 15-minute matches, and that’s what was needed to win the competition.

“To the players’ credit they seemed to get stronger as the day went on. We made a few tactical changes before the knockouts began and that seemed to do the trick. The last-minute goal in the quarter-finals really gave us the momentum you are searching for during these tournaments.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Isledon Wolves can call John on 07960 985 461 or find the club on Instagram.