FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Season 2006-07
Second Round Qualifying
Thursday 20 October 2006

There may have been only two goals in Thursday's two FA Youth Cup Second Round Qualifying ties, but there was no shortage of action.

Hemel Hempstead Town had goalkeeper Warren Carter to thank for their 1-0 win at Welwyn Garden City after he saved a penalty with just two minutes to go.

And the spot-kick save was made even more remarkable given Carter had been playing with an injury since the first half.

Hemel, who will play Canvey Island in the next round, had been ahead from the tenth minute - Lee Stobbs scoring for the visitors.

Hemel continued to press but were unable to turn their territorial superiority into more goals.

The second half saw something of a role reversal as City looked to take advantage of Hemel's first half profligacy.

And Welwyn's pressure looked to have paid off in the 88th minute when they were awarded a disputed penalty. Carter stood his ground, though, and pulled off an outstanding save to rescue his side from the prospect of extra-time.

Manager Ashley Addison was delighted with his goalkeeper. He said: "Carter was injured in a first half challenge, but he decided to play on. It was a great save and we are all delighted to be through."

In Thursday night's other tie, plucky Croydon took Academy side Stevenage Borough to extra-time in a thrilling re-arranged Second Qualifying round tie.

The south London side created enough decent chances to win the game, but Stevenage held firm, thanks mainly to a man of the match display from Andrew Inediuno, and went on to win 1-0.

John Earle and Moses Ademayor both missed good chances in the second half as Croydon went in search of the breakthrough. The best chance of the game fell to Ademayor when he broke clear of the defence and rounded the Stevenage keeper, but dragged the ball just wide of the post.

The superior fitness of Stevenage paid off in extra-time as the home side tired and allowed Romayne Thomas in to hit the only goal of the game, nine minutes into the first extra period. Stevenage will now host Thamesmead FC in the Third Qualifying Round.

The FA Youth Cup - tomorrow's stars today.