Match Report: AFC Fylde Academy 3-3 Northampton Town Academy (4-2 PENS)

AFC Fylde progressed into the third round of the FA Youth Cup after winning 4-2 on penalties against Northampton Town’s Academy on Friday night.

A stunning effort from Mason McKay, a spot kick from Stan Holder and a beautiful free-kick from Faris Mohammed were enough to get the Coasters through to spot kicks before progressing into the third round winning 4-2.

Goalkeeper Charlie Clark saved two of Northampton’s four penalties before scoring the winner himself to put Fylde through.

Northampton was the side who started on the front foot and they took an early lead when Aleks Jevterevs turned smartly and finished left-footed to break the deadlock before the ten minute mark.

The home side looked to try and take a foothold after a slow start, and it didn’t take long to get back into the contest.

With 20 minutes on the clock, Mason McKay produced a moment of brilliance to get the Coasters on the board as he burst down the left hand side before shooting from the tightest of angles with the ball flying in off the inside of the post.

Soon after, the Coasters were awarded a penalty when Cullen Meadowcroft was dragged to the floor, giving Fylde the chance to get ahead from the spot.

Captain Stan Holder stepped up and sent the Northampton ‘keeper the wrong way to put the Coasters ahead going into the interval.

Jesse Hailwood almost made it three early in the second half as he went on a mazy run forward but his effort was charged down by the Town defence.

As the Coasters went in search of a third, the visitors brought the scores level with an unbelievable strike. Left back Freddie Findlay lined up a strike from all of 35 yards and found the top corner to draw the score level.

With extra time looming, the sides cancelled each other out as there was very little chances in the later stages meaning an extra 30 minutes were required.

Paolo Mariani had an opportunity just seconds into extra time as he danced around two defenders before eventually getting his effort away but it was well blocked.

Against the run of play, Northampton found the fifth goal of the game on the stroke of the interval in extra time as Francesco Obiagwu slotted past Charlie Clark to give Town the lead.

With Fylde running out of gas, they needed a moment and substitute Faris Mohammed provided it as he bent a free kick into the top corner and drew Fylde level once again, meaning the game would be decided via a penalty shootout.

Fylde looked confident as they shot in front of the south stand, and after goalkeeper Charlie Clark saved two of Northampton’s four penalties, he then slotted him own home, calm and collected to seal the win for the Coasters.

AFC Fylde will travel to either Leyton Orient or Whitehawk in the third round with an opponent and date to be confirmed in due course.

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