Town youth bow out of FA Youth Cup with battling display

FOOTBALL

Nuneaton Town 2-0 Stratford Town Youth

FA Youth Cup, First Qualifying Round

Report by Bryan Hale

A GOAL in each half of a closely-fought tie sent Nuneaton through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup at the LDJ Solicitors Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Town knew that they faced a tough task as Nuneaton fielded their Academy side which are full time and featured five players who had already been involved with their first team squad whereas the Town line-up included ten under-17s and two U16s.

In an even first half Nuneaton took the lead when a fiercely-struck free-kick was beaten away by town keeper Archie Donaldson only for Adams to react the quickest and slot the loose ball into the net.

Nuneaton were soon into their stride in the break but Town gradually worked their way back into the game until Nuneaton sealed the win when Freestone headed in a right-wing cross.

Dylan Parker appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty when he was impeded late on as Town battled on right to the final whistle.

Stratford coach Nick Ballinger said his side could not be faulted.

"It was a tremendous performance against a full time scholarship side and I’m proud of them all," he said.