The FA County Youth Cup

U18s out of the FA County Youth Cup

Berks & Bucks FA lose out to Middlesex FA in first round

Berks & Bucks FA dropped out of the FA County Youth Cup yesterday (Sunday 3rd November) as they lost 2-5 to Middlesex FA at Uxbridge FC. 

It was a strong start from both sides in this First Round encounter, with Middlesex causing trouble on the break and testing the Berks & Bucks FA defence, who did well to hold out under pressure, multiple times. 

After being caught offside a couple of times in the opening stages, we managed to put a few good chances together, one, a good through ball from Matt Mihall which saw Bradley Farren run on to it and chip the oncoming keeper who, despite getting a hand to it, could not prevent the ball from crossing the line and making it 1-0 to Berks & Bucks FA. 

The game remained close throughout the first half and three good saves in the last 10 mins from Berks & Bucks FA keeper Jordi Wilson on his County debut kept the score at 1-0 as the players headed down the tunnel.

The second half was a different story altogether with two red cards and six goals defining the match. 

The visitors started brightly but an early red card for a reckless challenge saw us reduced to 10 men with much of the second half still to play. 10 minutes after the break it was Middlesex FA who found themselves with a player in the book for a late tackle (yellow).

With the game opening up a goal looked likely but perhaps suprisingly it was Berks & Bucks FA who capitalised from a corner with Bradley Farren heading home to double the visitors lead despite being a man down.

It wasn't long however before Middlesex FA started to make the extra-man count and an own goal following a good free kick from the right into the box saw the hosts on the scoreboard. This was followed quickly by two strong headers which saw the hosts first equalise, then take the lead for the first time in the match as the score quickly turned to 2-3.

With around 15 mins of the match remaining Berks & Bucks FA we were dealt a further blow as a long powerful shot from outside the box saw the wet ball slip through the keepers' hands to double Middlesex FA's lead to 2-4. 

As the game went on, hopes of a comeback were fading and with just 5 mins to go a lack of composure saw another Berks & Bucks FA player sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity as he brought down the Middlesex player in the box for a penalty.

Middlesex FA took their opportunity from the spot and Berks & Bucks FA, down to 9 men, held on in the final few minutes with the scoreline 2-5 at the final whistle.

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(Photo credit @ Chris Benn)