Stockton Town U18’s progressed into the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup with a hard-fought victory over Blyth Spartans.
Jaedon Faulkner bagged his eighth goal of the competition when he struck a free-kick which deflected in with the help of the woodwork.
That early goal proved crucial, as Blyth pushed forward with a tonne of pressure, but the Anchors defence held firm extremely well to keep the Spartans out.
The midfield duo of Billy Waller and Harvey Parkinson began to take control of the game, putting a firm end to the spell of intense Blyth pressure.
The two won a vast majority of their battles in the middle of the field defensively, whilst starting attacks at the other end as well.
As the game looked to be heading to a tense ending, the outcome was sealed five minutes from the end when Chuka Unigwe rifled in a strike from a tight angle which flew past the goalkeeper at his near post.
The Young Anchors now look forward to Friday’s draw, where they are now only one round away from an appearance in the First Round Proper, where EFL academy sides will enter the competition.
Possible teams for the Young Anchors to draw are: Halifax Town, Radcliffe, Stockport Town, Boro Rangers, Liversedge, Workington/Hartlepool United, Stalybridge Celtic/Fylde, York City/Bradford PA, Chester/Rochdale.
Check in with our socials at 1pm on Friday to find out the draw.
