U15 N.U.T. Trophy - QF Round-Up
Monday 05 February 2007By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:49:02
Nottingham Create History
Mid Cheshire 1-3 Nottingham
Nottingham’s Under 15 squad made history at Northwich Victoria’s ground on Wednesday when they reached the semi-final of the N.U.T. sponsored Inter-Association Trophy for the first time, defeating Mid-Cheshire 3-1 in a thrilling game marked by some superb goals. Although they entered the ‘Trophy’ in its inaugural season of 1904-05, Nottingham’s previous best in the competition had been to reach the last eight.
The home side put the Nottingham defence under severe pressure in the first ten minutes but gradually the Nottingham boys began to gain much more possession and Matthew Wilkinson opened the scoring with a magnificent 25 yard drive which gave the keeper no chance. Five minutes later, Lamah Griggs broke clear but was brought down in the penalty box and Craig Clay converted the spot-kick.
Mid Cheshire were quickly out of the blocks in the second half and Nottingham had to defend against relentless pressure with Mario Lopez making several saving tackles. With 15 minutes remaining, Underhill scored a richly deserved goal for the home side to set up a thrilling last quarter in which both sides missed chances. The game was finally decided in the second half of injury time when Lamah Griggs broke away down the right and unleashed a tremendous shot past the keeper. Griggs who only came into the Nottingham side this season thus scored for the fourth successive game in the competition.
Worksop & Retford Make it a Nottinghamshire Double
Worksop & Retford 2-1 Liverpool (aet)
Worksop and Retford joined Nottingham in the semi-final of the Inter-Association Trophy with an impressive but hard fought victory over Liverpool who have won the Trophy a record fifteen times since it was set up in season 1904-05.
Worksop and Retford started the game well when Lewis Croucher had a fine chance but was thwarted by an excellent save by the Liverpool keeper. Their early pressure brought reward, however, when after fifteen minutes, Conor Higginson cut in from the left, doubled back, beat two defenders and drilled in a fine shot to put the home side ahead. After that, there were chances at both ends with the keepers tested but remaining firm.
In a thrilling second half, Liverpool gradually gained control but they could not break through an excellent Worksop and Retford defence. With both sides fully committed, the excitement mounted until Liverpool equalised with a minute of normal time remaining through Jack McGreth.
As the game moved into extra time, the late equaliser encouraged the visitors who were on top throughout the first period and they forced two fantastic saves from Worksop and Retford keeper, Anthony Crump. The pattern changed in the second period and the home side pressed forward, gaining their reward when Daniel Fox’s pass played Dominic Hammond into the penalty area. He was forced wide by two defenders and appeared to have lost the chance before he managed round the keeper, drag the ball back on to his favoured left foot and drive the ball past the two defenders who had managed to get back to protect their goal.
Like Nottingham, Worksop and Retford have never progressed beyond the last eight but the hope in Nottinghamshire is that the sides avoid each other in the semi-finals and can set up an all Nottinghamshire final.
