FT: Imps U18s 2-0 Corby Town U18s
The young Imps defeated Corby Town on Monday night in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup to continue a good run of form.
City took control from the start and an early Jordan Harper effort from 25 yards flew just wide. The Imps dominated possession with Andy Wright, Liam Harris and Sam Fewkes in midfield, and Harper had another effort blocked after cutting in from the left. Then midway through the first half, a short corner found Fewkes and his early cross was flicked in by Harper.
On the half hour, Harris broke through only to see his shot saved, and minutes later good play from Jordon Cooke found Leon Loftus and his cross was turned in by Harper but the goal was adjudged offside. Harper then forced another good save from Corby’s Rob Russell, before Wright crashed an effort against the bar. The last action of the first half saw confusion in the Corby defence and Harper’s cross was inches away from Kieran Helsdown.
Corby responded well after the break and forced an early corner which was headed clear impressively by skipper Josh Barr-Rostron. But the Imps soon restored their authority in the game - Harper forced a corner which was cleared, then Wright did really well to lose his marker but saw his effort blocked. Barr-Rostron then picked up a loose ball and drove into the Corby area before picking out Harper who finished calmly in the bottom corner to double the lead.
Imps’ goalkeeper Richard Walton had been rarely troubled but he was forced to deal with a Corby corner and then tipped a fine effort around the post. Jenk Acar now replaced the hard working Helsdown, Marlon Grundy replaced Leon Loftus and Calum Stewart replaced Liam Harris. Good work from Lewis Millington then found Harper and his volley was tipped over by Russell, then in the final moments Harper was denied his hat-trick when he was adjudged narrowly offside again after heading home Wright’s cross.
A well deserved result for the young Imps who will face either Oadby Town or St Andrews at home again in the next round.
City U18s: Richard Walton, Leon Loftus, Jordan Cooke, Connor Griffin, Josh Barr-Rostron, Sam Fewkes, Andrew Wright, Liam Harris, Jordan Harper, Kieran Helsdown, Lewis Millington. Subs: Jenk Acar, Henry Smith, Marlon Grundy, Calum Stewart, Jack McMenemy.
