FLEETWOOD, Lancs, 06 November, 2008

Fleetwood Town Youth 0-3 Oldham Athletic Youth
FA Youth Cup First Qualifying Round
Wednesday 5th November, 2008, Attendance 117
By Derick Thomas

A three nil away win reasonably reflects the gap between a full-time, professional outfit and a part-time, non-league side.  The result at Highbury, however, doesn’t tell the full story. Reaching the FA Youth Cup First Round Proper is an accomplishment for any side entering the competition for the first time. That accomplishment turns into a tremendous achievement when considering the Fleetwood Town Youth side was raised less than 18 months ago and are playing in only its second, full season. 



Injuries denied Sumner of key plays before the game, including skipper Adam Sumner and midfielder Matty Gair. Joey Newsome pulled his back during warm-up but was considered to be fit for the starting line-up.  The decision to play Newsome was to prove folly after just three minutes when Tom Barkhuizan was called off the bench to replace Town’s leading scorer in the competition.

The visitors took hold of the game straight away with Tom Eaves and Nathan Kilcourse providing early scares and this set the scene for most of the first half. Skipper Jordan Holmes commenced battle with Oldham striker Tom Eaves and was forced to make a double block after only six minutes.  At the other end, Grant Dell tried his luck from range and a Mark France header from 6 yards was pushed away.  Will McCall tested Nathan Thompson in the home goal on 18 minutes but his effort sailed over the bar.  The Oldham pressure paid off on 22 minutes through Ryan Brooke.  Skipper Chris Rowney found Brooke, who side-stepped Matty Wood and then rounded the closing Thompson to tap home his 11th of the season.  Town kept their spirit and Joe Fail raced to a Mike France ball but Laquan Esdaile was first and poked back to his keeper.  The home side’s best effort of the half came during a good period of pressure just before the break. Mike France blasted a half volley and Josh Ollerenshaw was forced to tip away.  Sam Ratcliffe was also unlucky when his low drive was blocked.

Oldham was straight off the blocks and doubled their lead within a few minutes of the restart. Jordan Holmes’ heavy challenge on Tom Eaves resulted in Liam Dawson converting the resulting spot kick.  Joe Bowley made way for Liam Wynn on the hour and Thompson needed to be quick off his line a few minutes later to deny Nathan Kilcourse.  The visitors introduced David Williams up front for the last fifteen minutes.  Williams only needed a matter of minutes before testing Thompson.  The striker’s determination was rewarded when he collected the ball and cut inside the box to drill home into the far corner.  The hardworking Matty Wood received treatment with ten minutes left and was replaced by Michael Moon.  Ollerenshaw was forced to make to brave save in the closing minutes. First from the impressive Barkhuizan and then, immediately, from the feet of industrious Mark France.  Grant Dell, Mike Booth and Joe Fail all made notable contributions whilst Andy Bartholomew was key in defence.  Despite conceding, Thompson acquitted himself and Holmes put in a true captain’s performance.



Whilst Tony Philliskirk’s youngsters can now look forward to a home tie against Rotherham United, Mike Sumner’s men matured and earned the respect of the Oldham manager. Everyone associated with Fleetwood Town can be proud of this fledgling team and their performance and attitude against Football League opposition.

Team
Nathan Thompson, Joe Blowley (Wynn), Andy Bartholomew, Jordan Holmes (c), Matty Wood Moon), Sam Ratcliffe, Grant Dell, Joe Fail, Mark France, Joey Newsome (Barkhuizan), Michael Booth

Subs
Michael Moon, Matty Mecklenburgh, Liam Wynn, Tom Barkhuizan, Tom Holland