FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Season 2006-07
Third Round Proper
Thursday 14 December 2006

Jez George hailed his Cambridge United team after they battled back from a goal down to beat much-fancied Crewe 2-1 in the Third Round of FA Youth Cup on Thursday night.

Crewe captain Nick Farquarsson gave the visitors the lead midway through the first half, but their lead lasted only six minutes before Craig Bussens levelled.

On 38 minutes, Piers Wixon made himself an instant hero with the fans after giving Cambridge a shock lead with a tremendous drive from outside the area to the delight of George.

"That was a great result," said George. "We were under no illusions as to how hard the game was going to be. Crewe are synonymous with everything that is right about youth football.

"To be fair, in the first twenty minutes they absolutely dominated. They passed us to death really.

"Craig's goal came out of nothing and it was just what we needed. Piers's goal - well you will struggle to find a better one. It was fit to win any game. He drilled it into the top corner from all of 25 yards.

"It showed good character from the lads to come back and win. Fair play to Crewe because they were all very complimentary after the game.

"They are absolute class and a brilliant example to all youth teams across the country. What they have achieved in the players they have developed is amazing."

Cardiff City is the next stop for Cambridge on their road to FA Youth Cup glory and George admits he is relishing the chance to test his side against another league team.

"We are looking forward to our trip to Cardiff now. Every round we get through to, the bar gets that little bit higher. Tranmere was a tough tie and Crewe even more so as they are one of the top academies in the country.

"We have had five home draws and now we need to prepare ourselves for another tough test, tougher than the last. We are the only non-league club left in the competition and for a club our size to be in the Fourth Round Proper is an excellent achievement.

"This will be our seventh game in this competition and it is great experience for our players.

"Now we just want to carry on the run. If we were to beat Cardiff, then that would represent our best run ever."