Under 18s beat Didcot in the FA Youth Cup
United's promising under 18s progressed in the FA Youth Cup tonight with a 3-0 win away at Didcot Town. Two goals from midfielder Josh Ashby and a header from under 16 defender Cain McCormack saw United through in a well contested local derby at Loop Meadow.
United dominated the early stages but found home keeper Kieran Beesley in magnificent form. James Roberts forced him into a fine save in the first two minutes and winger Greg Hackett fired in a shot two minutes later which Beesley tipped over in spectacular style. Beesley then made a third superb save as Jamie Calvin met Greg Hackett’s 23rd minute cross from the left but saw the keeper somehow push his header away.
It was going to take something spectacular to beat the inspired keeper and on 26 minutes it was Ashby who found the perfect way to do it. The midfielder, bright and inventive all game, advanced on to a bobbling ball 20 yards from goal and without breaking astride powered a magnificent shot over the flying keeper and into the roof of the net. A wonderful goal, from a player with huge potential.
Didcot dug deep and were still in the game at the break but on 57 the tie was put beyond their reach. Sam Humphreys did very well on the left to sprint into the box and draw a challenge from Sam Borland which brought the winger crashing down. Up stepped Ashby to plant the penalty home and make it 2-0.
The home side did all they could to get back into the match but on 67 United booked their place against either Maidstone or Southend in the second round as a corner from the left was allowed to bounce and a delighted McCormack was unmarked to nod the ball into the corner of the net to make it 3-0.
Didcot created chances, United keeper barney Martin making one outstanding save from a Matt Woodley piledriver as time ran out, but United had been the better team and fully deserved their win.
Reaction from Chris Allen to follow.
United
B.Martin, Clarke, McCormack, F.Grant, Welch-Hayes (Cundy 73), Humphreys, Ashby, D. Martin (George 63), Hackett (Conte 79), Calvin, Roberts
Attendance: 291