MUFC Academy progress in FA Youth Cup
Posted on 4th October 2024
Maidenhead United Academy made it through to the final qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup with a deserved victory at Wealdstone on Wednesday night.
All the goals on the night at Grosvenor Vale were scored in a thrilling first half, during which time both sides led twice. Maidenhead led in only the second minute of the game when a corner kick ended in the back of the net via a Wealdstone player. The hosts were level after 15 minutes following the award of a rather harsh-looking penalty kick, and led shortly after when Emmanuele Olatunji capitalised on some hesitant United defending.
An instinctive first-time hit was too hot to handle for the Stones goalkeeper as Quaye Vine levelled for the young Magpies just before the half hour, but Olatunji completed his hat-trick within minutes with a quality finish from close range.
The Magpies however turned the game on its head before the break. The visitors were awarded a penalty of their own prior to the break with the host’s goalkeeper perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch after committing a bad foul. Justice was done when Enzo Pashaj scored from the spot and Maidenhead had their lead back before the interval when Nuno Cook netted from close range.
United’s coaching team made some tweaks at half-time, and Maidenhead’s defending was far more composed in the second period. Indeed, the Magpies had plenty of opportunities to win the game with substitutes Senna Anagho and Amari Dumont being a particular threat.
Maidenhead really should have had a second penalty kick when the excellent Kian Mirnam’s feet were taken from underneath him by a home defender, but despite five minutes of time added on United stayed firm to book their place in Monday’s draw.
The Magpies will face travel to Eastbourne United or Tooting Bec in the next round of the competition, with ties to be played in the week commencing 14th October. Sides from EFL 1 and 2 will join in the First Round Proper next month.
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