Under 18s beat Southend to set up Swansea clash
United’s under 18s stormed into the third round of the FA Youth Cup with a 3-1 win at Southend United tonight.
First half goals from Sam Humphreys, James Roberts and Josh Ashby gave Chris Allen’s youth side a win that will see them take on Premier League Swansea City away in the next round. Southend came back strongly in the second half, Freddie Gard giving them a lifeline, but the young Yellows held their nerve to progress.
Playing at Roots Hall the young U’s, who also top their league, started strongly but it took a fine curling strike from winger Sam Humphreys to break the deadlock on 22 minutes as Roberts cut the ball back for him.
Roberts swiftly doubled their advantage on 35 minutes with a clinical finish after running clear on to a Greg Hackett through ball to score his 16th goal of the season. The game then looked beyond the home side’s reach when a foul on Roberts gave midfielder Josh Ashby the chance to make it 3-0 from the spot after 40 minutesl.
Tall striker Jamie Calvin hit the bar shortly before the interval but whatever was said in the home dressing room at the break had an impact as Southend raised the tempo in the second half, sub Gard making it 3-1 in the first ten minutes of the half. United needed to defend stoutly but kept the ball well and saw the game out to set up a game against the Swans in the next round.
United
B.Martin, Clarke, Cundy, McCormack, F Grant, Hackett, Ashby, George, Humphreys, Calvin, Roberts
Subs: Welch-Hayes, A.Grant, Conte, Tetek, D. Martin