Manager Ken Brooke has been impressed with his young side.
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Birmingham County FA |
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The FA County Youth Cup
The Final
3pm, Saturday 2 May 2009
Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham FC
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Kent County FA manager Ken Brooke enters unfamiliar territory this weekend, as his charges take on Birmingham in The FA County Youth Cup at Priestfield Stadium. Brooke took charge of the U18 representative side at the beginning of the season having been involved in youth football for the past ten years. He admits, however, his first foray into County level has been a demanding one.
“This time at County level has been the biggest challenge, yet most rewarding time I have experienced,” said Brooke. “We have encouraged the team to try and play football whenever we have played this season and as well as reaching The Final the team sits proudly unbeaten in the South East Counties League competition.”
This is the first time Kent have reached The Final of the competition since 1982, when they were beaten 3-2 by Devon in a replay after the initial tie ended 0-0. Their only other Final appearance was against Liverpool in 1978, when they also finished runners-up.
Brooke and his players, however, are unlikely to be thinking about their predecessors come Saturday and the manager will be hoping the young squad do not let the occasion overwhelm them. “We have worked with only three year two players all season, which shows just what an excellent achievement [getting to The Final] has been,” said Brooke. “The players have been superbly behaved on and off the field and their attitude and willingness to take onto the pitch our ideals and beliefs have been first class.”
Despite a lack of experience within the squad, the Kent players got off to an incredible start in their Cup run, scoring eleven goals in their opening three games and conceding none. Considering each game was an away tie, the achievement was all the more significant. A hard fought Fourth Round Tie against Durham and penalty kicks in the Semi-Final at the Isle of Man saw them come down to earth with a bump, but according to skipper Tom Parkinson Kent are more than up for the challenge of The Final.
“To be honest, the team doesn’t really need geeing up before the game,” said Parkinson. “Everyone’s focused and knows their jobs. I don’t know what Birmingham are like, but knowing what we’re capable of, if everyone performs to their best and everyone plays well, we’re some team to beat.”
This is the 65th year that The FA County Youth Cup has been contested.