Wembley U18 0  Northwood U18 10

Wednesday 14th August 2024

NORTHWOOD
1	Matt Brayne
2	Keelan Sweeney (74m)
3	Chase Matthew
4	Billy Allen
5	Jamie Dwyer
6	Brian McGovern
7	Becaye Jabbi (46m)
8	Tobi Faleye
9	Luke Finnigan (63m)
10	Freddie Ford (63m)
11	Michael Kelly
Substitutes
12	Aidan Tarrant (74m)
14	Riley Loveday (46m)
15	Luke Jacks (63m)
16	Aryan Singh (63m)
17	-

As is usual every year, the FA Youth Cup comes at all clubs at a bad time, the first game of the season and during the school summer holidays so several players are always missing.

The Woods were drawn away at fellow Allied Counties East Division side Wembley in the extra preliminary round and had to put together a bit of makeshift squad because of the usual reasons though after a good warm-up run of four pre-season friendlies.

Vale Farm on a warm Wednesday night proved a positive start for the new Northwood side though and the Woods were always in control.

Keelan Sweeney, one of a handful of players starting a second season in the side, led the way with two early goals from his wide defensive position and some excellent football led to a 6-0 lead by half-time.

Sweeney completed a hat-trick after the break, there was two for Luke Finnigan and one each for Michael Kelly, Becaye Jabbi, Freddie Ford, Riley Loveday and an own goal. A clean sheet for Matt Brayne on his debut in goal was another big plus point too as the side recorded a 10-0 success, the club’s biggest FA Youth Cup win this century; possibly ever.

The Woods move into the preliminary round and have home advantage for a tie against Kings Langley which is scheduled to take place at the Skyline Roofing Stadium on Wednesday 4th September.

Report by ALAN EVANS