The FA County Youth Cup
Third Round
Saturday 6 December 2008
There were wins for the Isle of Man and Birmingham in the Third Round of The FA County Youth Cup on Saturday, while Worcestershire's game against holders Suffolk was postponed.
Kevin Manning, manager of the Isle of Man's youngsters, was delighted by the way his team held on for a win after being under intense pressure from London in the second half of their game at The Bowl in Douglas.
On a heavy pitch the home team scored first, through 16-year-old Danny Gerrard, but London equalised before the break. Manning's team got their noses in front again with a screamer of a goal by Josh Kelly, and despite being put under siege by the visitors for the remaining half an hour Isle of Man held on for a memorable victory.
Gerrard, who was later withdraw having sustained suspected knee ligament damage, took his goal competently after Kris Halsall's mazy run and pass found the youngster from the left. A defensive mix up in the Isle of Man box led to the leveller, before Kelly's winner - blistering strike after burning off two defenders - found the top corner.
"It was like the Alamo in the second half," said Manning. "But I was really pleased by the way the lads held on. We are only a small county compared to London, so we are pleased to be through to the next round."
