The highlight of the last two weeks has to be our progression into the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.
We had a tough game in the fourth round against Grimsby Town, who took us all the way to extra time before we finally got the job done in the 115th minute with a goal from Ben (Sayer).
It’s fair to say that was one of the toughest games we’ve played this season – which was highlighted at one stage by about four of our players going down with cramp.
It was hard work and we were all delighted when Ben’s effort found the back of the net. We joked afterwards that he completely shanked it but during the game no one cared.
Now with Manchester United awaiting in the next round, we’re all eager to give it a right go and get the result.
It’ll be at Altrincham’s Moss lane ground and not Old Trafford which is a little disappointing. Not that we’d be attracting a big crowd or anything but to play on a surface that has graced some of the best players in the world and play in a world famous ground has to be inspirational. Just looks like we’ll have to wait to savour that when we get to the first-team, touch wood!
Reserve Match: Bolton Wanderers v Newcastle United
The week after the Youth Cup I was involved with the Reserves against Bolton Wanderers. We had a young team with Remie making his debut and Alex (Nicholson) filling in at right-back but an older Bolton side showed their experience and class at times in the first-half to go in 4 up at half-time. All this in spite of them having a man sent off on 11 minutes!
To say we were disappointed would be an understatement – you could tell it by the look on every players face and the silence in the dressing room.
After a few words from Peter and Willie, we sorted our act together, and scored after ten minutes of the restart, it was soon 4-2 and Adam (Campbell) made it 4-3 with his first goal at reserve level. We seemed on course for an great comeback but unfortunately that wasn’t to be.
The first-team of course got it to a tee last Saturday against Arsenal.
I found the game a learning curve, by seeing how well bolton defended and broke away with pace, and how we fought well to get ourselves in the game, and it just goes to show as the first-team proved – games aren’t won at half time but after 90 minutes.
