United progress in the FA Youth Cup
United handed the Glovers a lesson to go through to the second round of the FA Youth Cup at Thame tonight. James Roberts with two strikes, and Jermaine Udumaga and Callum O'Dowda got the goals as the U’s' under 18 side made it an impressive eight wins in a row in all competitions with a 4-2 victory.
The game opened at breakneck speed and Yeovil had already wasted a presentable chance before Roberts gave his side a sixth minute lead with his first of the night. O’Dowda’s corner from the right travelled all the way to the far post where the striker made it 13 from his last six games.
However after just 12 minutes the visitors were level in similar circumstances as a corner from the left was not cleared by the United back line and Liam MacDevitt stabbed home, the ball just about crossing the line despite the best efforts of United keeper Eddie Cavanagh.
It was a good open game with both sides playing attractive football. Callum O’Dowda’s trickery on the right wing was causing Yeovil trouble while Roberts underlined his potential after 26 minutes with a weaving run into the box which needed a brave tackle from the last defender to keep him at bay.
Roberts was not going to be denied for long and on 41 he crashed home a wonderful second goal to make it 2-1. 25 yards from goal he tricked his way past a defender then had the composure to look up and almost place his shot across the keeper and inside the left hand post with deadly accuracy from the edge of the box. A predator’s goal, and a deserved lead for the United youngsters at half time.
Roberts had two further chances before the hour mark, both well saved, but before this becomes a one man report it’s worth mentioning that the back line looked solid around skipper Sam Long, midfield duo Sam Humphreys and Josh Ashby knitted things together and Udumaga played a pivotal role just behind Roberts to create the openings.
On 67 the front two reversed roles to put United 3-1 up. Roberts headed forward and Udumaga rode a challenge to get free on the keeper. His low shot took a touch off the advancing goalie but had enough power to roll slowly over the line and give United a two goal advantage that they never really looked like giving up.
Yeovil had no choice other than to throw men forward in the closing stages and on 86 gave themselves a lifeline as another corner from the right was powerfully headed home to make it 3-2 and set up an exciting finale. However in the third minute of injury time United made the game safe as O'Dowda rose highest and nodded the ball over the hesitant keeper to make it 4-2 and game over.
The young Yellows were impressive tonight in an enjoyable game to watch. They now face Plymouth at the same venue in the second round.
United
Cavanagh, Wright, Lynn, Ashby, Niangasa, Long, Hughes (Sellick 63), Humphreys (Woodley 85), Roberts, Udumaga, O’Dowda
Subs: Ekpiteta, Gee, Hill
Att: 159