A famous football manager once said ‘If history repeats itself, the same thing will happen’. Well on Saturday history did repeat itself when the Kent Under 18 Representative team reached the semi-final of the FA County Youth Cup for the second consecutive year, by beating Durham by 2 goals to 1 for the second consecutive year.
Kent made the long trip to Sunderland for the match and were made most welcome by the Officials of the Durham Football Association.
The game itself has been described as one of the best seen at this particular level for many years. A good hard game contested by two excellent teams. Despite the poor weather of later the pitch at Sunderland Nissan was in perfect condition.
The first half was very even. Kent had slightly the better of the early exchanges and the goalkeeper was called on to make a couple of saves. Durham then began to play some good football and an excellent save by Kent’s goalkeeper Jack Rankin kept the match level.
There was no score at half time.
The second half continued in much the same way as the first. Durham began the stronger but Kent soon got their rhythm going again.
The deadlock was broken in the 71st minute when Adam Woolcott who had only been on the field for a few minutes having been brought on as a substitute fired in a great shot which at last beat the Durham goalkeeper. An inspired substitution by Ken Brooke Kent’s manager.
Kent’s elation however was short-lived as, almost from the restart ,Durham powered the way down to the other end and fired in a great shot which gave Kent’s excellent goalkeeper Jack Rankin no chance.
Both teams strived hard for the winner. With extra time looming a long ball down the left found Alex Flisher in space. He cleverly rounded the goalkeeper and scored from a very tight angle.
As mentioned a thrilling game magnificently controlled by the match officials. Both sets of players a great credit to their respective Counties.
Kent now eagerly await the draw for the semi-final.