AFC Varndeanians 1 Tooting and Mitcham United 2 – 2 August 2025 Report

Match Report

It was the (nominal) hosts who started the better, with Tooting’s passing being a little bit ragged early on. However, as the Terrors got into their stride, they started to push the V’s back. After a period of dominance, Tooting were rewarded in the 21st minute as Shay Brennan produced a customary composed finish to open his tally for the season.

What should have been the catalyst for patience and composure seemed to have the opposite effect, with the Terrors becoming sloppy in possession once again, and Varndeanians punished them by plundering a swift equaliser five minutes later when Tommy Boyle took advantage of mis-communication between Toby McKimm and his defenders and hauled the south coast side level.

They looked the more confident side for a time, before Tooting gradually got back on top by re-taking control of the midfield battle, and departed for the half-time break with a narrow advantage after a tremendous run down the left by Taz Mahmoud was capped with a pinpoint cross, neatly volleyed home by impressive youngster Freddie Jones, arriving late in the six-yard box to bag his first senior goal for the club.

Tooting largely controlled the second period, creating one or two chances to wrap up the match, which were not taken, but Varndeanians rarely looked capable of notching a second equaliser, particularly after they were reduced to ten after a second yellow card for Owen Benfell late on, and Tooting advanced into the Preliminary Round.

Team Lineup