By Ethan Hoijord
Photo by Paul Moran
Vauxhall Motors were defeated 4-2 in the FA Youth Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Friday night as they travelled to Marine.
Les Scott’s youngsters were on top throughout the first half, showing their quality. However, a poor second half in the pounding rain put the game out of their reach despite late goals from Theo McDowall and Cody Carter.
There was a balanced start to the tie in Crosby, however the hosts had a brilliant opportunity to open the scoreline when they pounced on a mistake by Vauxhall keeper George Huyton. Huyton got up well to save himself before the ball was cleared.
At the other end, The Motors youth were testing their luck on the left hand side as a shot was fired comfortably over the bar.
It seemed to be a foul worthy of a penalty when Theo McDowall’s scuffed shot fell into the path of Daniel Lennon who was tackled, late, by keeper Quinn Bell. The Mariners had gotten away with one.
Les Scott’s Motors were impressing as a pinball moment inside The Mariners box was the result of continued pressure. Captain James Starkey hit his effort high over into the stands.
It was the hosts that edged themselves into the lead through Ruben Johnson before the referee’s whistle. Good play from the right went into the centre to him before he unleashed his powerful strike, one-on-one with the keeper.
There was a brilliant chance for Vauxhall to find an equaliser so soon after going behind, a pass across goal was sent to Josh Whewell but his shot smashed against the post with the keeper routed on his line.
Johnson was very close to hitting a brace as he hit the ball against the crossbar from the right, a few moments into the second half, the beautifully took chance swerved in and looked to be beating Huyton.
Looking to get themselves back into the game after a slow start to the second half, Vauxhall tried their luck from range but striker Jack Gordon fired over.
Scott’s side also had a couple of efforts from inside the box following a corner, the ball ricocheted off both the keepers legs as it went on its way wide.
With the rain bouncing down the gates opened, substitute Giorgio Galassi doubled Marines lead from inside the box as the ball slipped under Captain Starkey’s foot into the path of the forward.
Callum Kay found the third moments later as the ball fell out of Huyton’s hands into his path, before backheeling it into the net. Marine were on top and cruising.
Niall Partridge dinked it over Huyton comfortably, to make it four, from The Mariners right.
However, Vauxhall had far from given up with minutes to go. Theo McDowell span his defender very well to go into the box before tucking the ball into the net. It was a reward for Vauxhall’s consistency in their push to go forwards, albeit a slight consolation.
Cody Carter gave the visitors some optimism when he netted his side’s second, stabbing the ball passed the keeper before it crept over the line.
Yet it ultimately wasn’t to be, Vauxhall could take some positives from their relentless pushing and a great first half performance but Marine were 4-2 winners on the night and will face Hyde United away in the next FA Youth Cup Round.
The Young Motors’ face Cammell Lairds U18s in the opening night of the West Cheshire Youth League on Wednesday evening.
Marine FC: Quinn Bell, Joel Porter (65’), Leighton Rimmer, Harry Duff, Luke Crompton, Niall Partridge, Conal Larkin, Charlie Dyer (45’), Jack Wilson-Jones, Ruben Johnson (75’), Luke Challinor. SUBS: George Camm, Aidan Smith (65’), Callum Kay (75’), Lee Gillard, Giorgio Galassi (45’), Pacey Garrett.
Vauxhall Motors FC: George Huyton, Shankley Bell, Sam Taylor, Callum Taylor, Joseph Webster (80’), James Starkey, Daniel Lennon, Theo McDowall, Jack Gordon, Ethan Simon (75’), Josh Whenell (60’). SUBS: Cody Carter (60’), Jack Robinson (80’), Jake Badrock, Kyle Robinson (75’), Max Williams, Alex Garbe.
Attendance: 198.