TyneMet College’s Football Academy students (in partnership with Blyth Spartans AFC) have advanced to the second round proper of the FA Youth Cup following a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Bradford after a 1-1 draw. The young footballers’ journey to this stage has been anything but straightforward, involving an FA-ordered replay of their initial tie earlier in the month, which they had lost on penalties due to an administrative error.
The rematch took place at Brighouse, where the academy students showed strength and determination to rewrite the outcome. After a goalless first half, academy player, Jack Daley delivered the crucial equaliser in the 60th minute to level the score at 1-1, keeping their FA Youth Cup hopes alive. As the match went into a penalty shootout for the second time, the young Spartans kept their nerve and emerged victorious, clinching a historic spot in the second round.
This victory not only made up for their previous loss but also marked a milestone for the academy. After five years of competing in the FA Youth Cup, this is the furthest the Blyth Spartans Academy team has ever reached. Their reward is a second-round match with Accrington Stanley on Wednesday (20th November). Should they win this match, their next game will be against a Premier League academy team—an exciting prospect for the players and coaches.
Head Coach, Marc Nash, proud of his team’s performance, highlighted the determination and team spirit that has brought the squad this far.
This group has shown incredible resilience and spirit, to come back after the disappointment of the initial result and win like this shows the strength of character in this squad. They support each other on and off the pitch, and that’s what carried us through.
The academy team will now look to continue their journey in the competition with their eyes set on further glory.
The Football Excellence Programme, in partnership with Blyth Spartans AFC provides students with the opportunity to train and compete at a high level while pursuing their academic studies. The partnership with allows students to develop their football skills under professional guidance, preparing them for future careers in the sport.
For more information about the Football Excellence course, please contact Head Coach, Marc Nash, marc.nash@tynecoast.ac.uk or join us at the next open event on Monday 2nd December, 6pm, find out more.