Academy: The FA Youth Cup Run So Far

AFC Fylde Academy face a trip to the capital next week as they face Leyton Orient in the FA Youth Cup third round on Monday night. 

The Coasters have had quite the rollercoaster ride so far in this year’s competition and after reaching the third round for the second year in a row, the young side will be looking to go one better for only the second time in the club’s history.

Last time Fylde reached the fourth round of what is the most prestigious cup competition in academy football, the Coasters faced a Chelsea side with the likes of Levi Colwill, Bashir Humphreys and Tino Livramento.

But here’s how the side have reached the third round this year:

Second qualifying round: Curzon Ashton 2-3 AFC Fylde

In the Coasters first run out in the competition, Fylde had to come from behind with two second half goals to edge into the final qualifying round.

After Stan Holder opened the scoring from close range, Curzon scored two to go into the interval in control of the proceedings.

But a dominant display from the visitors meant it was Fylde who progressed into the next round thanks to a deflected Stan Holder free kick and a late volley from Destin Vika.

Third Qualifying Round: Spennymoor Town 0-2 AFC Fylde

With one hurdle left before the first round proper, Fylde travelled up to the North East to face a resolute Spennymoor Town side.One lad stole the show as 16-year-old striker Mason McKay scored two brilliant second half goals to see the Coasters safely through to Round One.

First Round Proper – AFC Fylde 3-0 Doncaster Rovers

With the game being staged at Mill Farm for the first time in this years competition, the Coasters needed to turn up against a side they faced at the same stage of the competition last year and that they did.

A Stan holder double and a late finish from Paolo Mariani proved the difference as Fylde made the most of home advantage to fly into the next round.

Second Round Proper – AFC Fylde 3-3 Northampton Town (4-3 Pens)

With the floodlights beaming at Mill Farm, it was a magical night of cup action as the Coasters fought their way into the third round on penalties. After coming back from behind twice, a late free-kick from Faris Mohammed which flew beautifully into the top corner pulled the Coasters into spot kick.

In the shootout, it was goalkeeper Charlie Clark who became the hero, saving two Northampton penalties before taking the winning one himself to send his opposite number the wrong way and set up a third round tie in the capital.

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