Norfolk are through to the Semi Finals of The FA County Youth Cup after beating West Riding FA by three goals to one.

West Riding County FA – 18.01.20 KO 2:00pm

Final Score: West Riding U18’s 1-3 Norfolk U18’s

Norfolk started the game with real purpose, having the majority of possession in the opening minutes. However, it was West Riding that created threatening chances in the first spell of the Quarter Final tie. In the 7th minute, after great work down the right-hand side, Lagshan Sivakumar floated the ball into the six-yard box where Tom Baird headed the ball home to give the visitors the lead.

Shortly after Norfolk took the lead their number nine, Joe Muskett, landed awkwardly and medical treatment was required. After a lengthy break, Jorge Pascoal replaced Muskett.

Once the game had restarted, Norfolk kept control for the rest of the half, limiting the Yorkshire side to a few dangerous attacking opportunities.

Half-Time: West Riding U18’s 0-1 Norfolk U18’s

West Riding started the second half well by breaking down Norfolk’s play and working extremely hard off the ball. This caused all types of problems for the Norfolk back four causing their captain, Charlie Dickerson, to become more vocal in his commands.

Norfolk made their first substitution in the 60th minute as Tom Pipe replaced Lagshan Sivakumar.

In the 73rd minute, West Riding equalised after a direct ball over Norfolk’s back line found the feet of the home team’s number nine who rounded Reuben Lane in the Norfolk goal and slid the ball into an empty net.

With this goal, West Riding gained further control of the second half causing issues for the young Norfolk side. Norfolk responded to this pressure by making another substitution as Brady Philpott replaced Max Lane.

In the 83rd minute, Ethan Warne made a dangerous run through the heart of the West Riding defence into the opposition’s penalty area, where he passed the ball to Tom Pipe. Pipe then smashed the ball into the bottom corner, giving the visitors the lead with less than 10 minutes to play.

Norfolk put the game to bed minutes later after a neat one-two between Warne and Baird allowed Pascoal a simple tap in at the far post. Every Norfolk player, including Lane who had run 90 yards, celebrated the goal together knowing they were entering the next round of The FA County Youth Cup.

Final Score: West Riding U18’s 1-3 Norfolk U18’s

Norfolk U18’s: Reuben Lane, Max Lane, Charlie Dickerson ©, Ollie Whittaker, Aaron Rich, Joe Bennett, Lagshan Sivakumar, Ethan Warne, Joseph Muskett, Tom Baird and Fletcher Dyson.

Subs: Jorge Pascoal, Evan Perry, Brady Philpott, Tom Pipe and Ollie Roberts.

Player of the Match: Reuben Lane

Norfolk face Essex in the Semi-Finals of The FA County Youth Cup at theFDC, Bowthorpe on Friday 7 February, Kick Off at 7:30pm. Adults: £3, Concessions: £1.

Norfolk FA would like to thank Chaplin Farrant for being the Official Squad Sponsor of the Norfolk Under 18 Representative Squad.