8-11-14 Notts County 3 – 2 Bradford City

After a impressive 3-1 win against Scunthorpe United in the first round of the FA Youth Cup last tuesday, this weekend we travelled to Nottingham to face a strong Notts County side.

With many of our key first and second years rested, it was a chance for some of our U16s to step-up to a higher level.

Despite the heavy rain, it was an end to end game.  An excellent strike from Notts County saw them take the lead in the 14th minute. However, a 20th-minute strike from Giovani Landu gave us the equaliser. Ross Kershaw’s perfectly timed cross, gave Landu time to control the ball and fire it into the top left-hand corner.

Some of our most threatening moments of the first half saw defender Jack Waters’ shot saved in the 22nd minute and after good build up play, Sumali Cissa failed to connect with Rhys Jenkinson’s cross.

A Notts County player was brought down just outside the box seven minutes before the break and the ref awarded them a penalty. The home side converted the resulting kick to restore their lead.

We equalised shortly after when Luca Mellor’s long ball was bundled in off Landu in 44th minute.

After a positive end to the first-half, Notts County came out the stronger side.  Niah Payne’s 48th minute effort and Ellis Hudson’s strike six minutes later were well blocked by the goalkeeper.

The hosts went 3-2 up in the 72nd minute after they were awarded a free-kick just outside the box. We continued to press for a third goal, but the home side defended well and finished with all three points.