It was a day to remember for the Northampton Academy Sixth Form football team as they overcame Wrenn School to progress into the last four of the County Cup. Sixth Form footballer Tom Sene recalled it all:
Despite suffering a bitter 4-2 defeat in their opening game of the season, the players donned the blue shirts with an uplifting attitude. Tom suggested that the loss may have sparked the energy and enthusiasm which the team displayed against Wrenn.
However, Wrenn, broke the deadlock first, creating a larger mountain for the Academy to climb. Fortune favoured the Blues, as the Academy forced an equaliser through a Wrenn own goal. Galvanised, the boys scored again, as Logan found the net to give Academy the lead. But the Academy just couldn’t hold on. Wrenn bagged their second goal of the night to draw the score level and take the game to extra time.
As we all know, anything can happen in cup games, and the first half of extra time boasted a completely different game to the first 90 minutes. Logan ensured he finished the night with a brace, as he gave the Academy the lead once again. Then, Connor buried the ball between the posts following a corner, to put the Blues two goals to the good.
It was a case of playing for the win in the final 15 minutes, and the Academy held on for an outstanding 4-2 victory.
Tom was impressed with the back four, praising the “good defensive unit” for their communication and positioning. The boys were “good all round” and took the game seriously, especially after Mr Lyon’s motivational team-talk.
Tom only had one criticism of the performance: his team should have scored more. If the Academy learn to take their chances, they could be a formidable opponent in the coming games.
The Blues will look forward to the County Cup semi-finals in sensational spirits, and will try to knock out either Kingsthorpe or Thomas Beckett for a shot in the final.
Good luck in the semi-final!
Matthew Bates
16/11/16