YOUNG SEAGULLS PROGRESS IN FA YOUTH CUP

The U18s progressed to the final qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup as they beat Cheltenham Saracens 3-1 at the Optima Stadium.

Cheltenham Saracens flew out of the blocks and started the much better. A couple of early attacks saw them look dangerous but came to no fruition.

After just 12 minutes Saracens got their reward when a defensive mix up allowed them to slot the ball into the top left corner past Freddie Butchers in the Weston goal.

This goal shocked Weston into life and the Young Seagulls started to find their grove. Just minutes later Dan Maspero found himself in front of goal but could only put his effort wide.

Half-chances continued to present themselves to Weston but the much deserved equaliser came on the half-hour mark.

A corner was swung in from the right and after being headed back across by a Saracens centre-half, Sam Pinchbeck was on hand to nod past the keeper from just 6 yards out.

Weston continued to look stronger as the first half came to its conclusion with the best chance falling to Ebrima Sanyang who was expertly denied by the keeper.

Half Time: Weston-super-Mare U18s 1-1 Cheltenham Saracens U18s

Weston continued where they’d left off in the first half and found themselves in front just 7 minutes after the break. Zak Kempster found himself with plenty of space down the left before unleashing what can only be described as a screamer straight into the top right corner.

The Young Seagulls weren’t satisfied with just a one goal and 8 minutes later it was extended. A Sanyang free kick bounced around the Saracens box before finding its way in via a Saracens player to make the score 3-1.

As the game went on the last 30 minutes can only be described as a game management masterclass from the Young Seagulls.

Weston managed to keep the ball and stretch a tiring Saracens side. As the clock wound down Weston ensured there would be no danger of a late comeback.

Full Time: Weston-super-Mare U18s 3-1 Cheltenham Saracens U18s

Weston XI: Butchers, Davies (Ouza 84’), Combstock, King, Singfield, Pinchbeck, Maspero, Dean (C), Smith, Sanyang (Masland 73’), Kempster (Owen 87’)

Unused Substitutes: Withers, D’Arcy, Grant, Ayers

MOTM: Oli Combstock