U18 Inter County: Northumberland 3 Staffordshire 2
Monday 06 April 2009By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:48:50
Last season's champions: Sussex
Despite their long journey north, Staffordshire opened the better on a beautiful sunny day in Newcastle. They opened the scoring after 18 minutes and 10 minutes later were 2-0 up. Northumberland were still well in the game and created a series of half-chances. The pulled one back and were happy to go into the break 1-2 down.
Northumberland did not make the aggressive start to the second half one would expect and were generally sloppy in their approach play. It looked as though Staffs may well hang on to their lead. The opportunity to draw level came when Dan Hindmarsh was up-ended in the box but the spot kick was well-saved by the Staffs keeper. The equaliser did come when once again Hindmarsh broke into the box and laid the ball off for Stephen Foster to slot home. North tails were now up. With 10 minutes to go they were awarded a second penalty when the ball was handled on the goal-line – resulting in Staffs being reduced to 10 men. Foster, the same penalty taker, stepped forward again and slammed the ball home off the underside of the bar.
There was a frenetic end to the game and North were grateful to Phil Holgate making a great sprawling save just before the final whistle sounded.
Northumerland will now play Hampshre in the final of this competition which will be held at Luton Town FC on Wednesday 29 April 2009.
U18 Inter County Trophy Results
