Young Daniels Bow Out of FA Youth Cup

Stamford Young Daniels before their FA Youth Cup tie at Ashby Ivanhoe (Picture: Hugo Reid)

The Young Daniels exited the FA Youth Cup 5-2 at the hands of a strong Ashby Ivanhoe side on Monday 1 September, despite fine goals from Elliot Feetham and Jesse McCann.

Stamford made the trip to Ashby Ivanhoe for the first preliminary round tie full of optimism following an encouraging pre-season. The game started well for Stamford when they took an early lead through Elliot Feetham, after a great flick on from Jesse McCann. 

However, a physically strong and determined Ashby side regrouped to pile the pressure on the Young Daniels, resulting in the hosts taking the lead through two penalties. Goalkeeper Cian Denman can consider himself unfortunate for the second spot kick, saving the initial strike before seeing the rebound put past him.

Stamford got back in the game just before half-time with a quick break away finding Elliott Britton out wide. After some good work, he laid the ball to Jesse McCann to score a great left-footed strike from just outside the box into the bottom left corner to draw the Young Daniels level 2-2 at the break.

Paul Walker’s side regrouped and began the second half strongly, only to concede a sloppy goal on the break which turned out to be a turning point in the game. This coincided with a torrential downpour.

A reinvigorated and re-energised Ashby side meant Stamford struggled to reassert themselves in the contest, conceding two late goals as they pushed forward themselves. 

Although there is disappointment in the result, there are lots of positives for the young Stamford side which featured a number of 15 year olds making their competitive debuts.

Hopefully the squad can take learnings from the game into a strong league campaign.

Man of the match on the night was Cian Denman for an all round strong goalkeeping display.

Manager Walker remained upbeat despite the loss, pointing towards the young age of his squad.

“The first game of the season away in the FA Youth Cup was always going to be a tough game,” Walker admitted

“We gave it a go and, to be fair, at 3-2 with 15 minutes to go we were still in it - but Ashby were deserving winners on the night.

“There is no disgrace, though, against an older and more physical team. We started with six players aged 16 and under who will only grow from this experience.

“We go again!”

The youth team get their league campaign underway in the Northants Senior Youth League North with an away trip to Netherton United next Monday (8 September), kicking off at 7.45pm at The Grange.