Blues Youths reach Youth Alliance Cup Area Final

[Exiled Shrimper]

Southend United's Under-18 side responded to Monday's FA Youth Cup Fifth Round defeat at Anfield today in perfect fashion by defeating Stevenage on penalties at Boots & Laces. The squad showed a great deal of character to bounce back from the match against Liverpool, and after trailing against the run of play, George Smith equalised on the stroke of half-time. There were no further goals after the break, although Anthony Furlonge had a last-minute header ruled out for offside, so the game progressed to penalties, where James Stevens, Louis Baucutt, Alex Woodyard, Rhys Mackay and Ryan Auger were all successful, whilst Luke Chambers saved Stevenage's third spot-kick to help the teenage Shrimpers claim a 5-3 shoot-out victory. They will now play Wycombe Wanderers in the Area Final, with the date and venue to be confirmed. You can read a full report on today's game on the Shrimpers Trust website: Southend United U18s Reach Youth Alliance Cup Area Final

I spoke to Ricky Duncan after the game, and he wanted everyone who travelled up to Anfield on Monday to know that everyone in the squad appreciated their presence on Merseyside, and he thanked every single one of the supporters who made the trip.

 

[Fiftyone]

Ricky for England!!.:clap:

 

[Shrimper]

Win the Area final and they're in the Final final. Great stuff lads.

 

[top shirmper]

Look at the achievements this year of this Youth side. Its remarkable.

1) Got to the FA Youth Cup 5th Round - Equalled best ever run. Beating academy sides Coventry and Derby on the way.

2) Have produced Kane Ferdinand who is now a first team regular. Alex Woodyard also played for the first team.

3) Have reached the Alliance Final - First time ever. Have Wycombe in the final @ Roots Hall I believe.

Its a fantastic achievement for all the players and Ricky Duncan. We have a real talented group of players. I would like to see 4 or 5 of them given pro deals in the summer. (Ferdinand, Woodyard, Stevens, Nesbitt and Big Duane)

I know they got a footballing lesson last Monday but Liverpool are an exceptional side and this season as a whole should be looked up as a massive success.