Staffordshire FA Midweek Floodlit Youth Cup Final
Newcastle Town 2 Wolverhampton Casuals 0
at Stafford Rangers FC
Monday 24th April 2017

Having met 3 times in league and cup action already this season, in games decided by just a single goal, a tightly contested cup tie was expected - and was exactly what we got.

On a bitterly cold evening in Stafford, the early exchanges were frantic, as we have come to expect from youth finals, but chances were limited with most efforts on goal fired in from distance causing few problems for either keeper.

With neither side able to take command of the game it appeared the first half would end goalless until a series of mistakes in the Casuals defence left the door open for Newcastle Town, the first of which saw Joseph Proctor lob the keeper but see the ball drop onto the roof of the net.

Shortly after, Casuals were not so fortunate as Nico Watson found himself through on goal to slot home and Newcastle led 1-0 on 41 minutes.

Watson had a further chance to extend the lead just moments later but Lewis Gregory saved bravely at his feet sending the ball out for a corner which almost led to a goal as a near post header bounced through the six yard box and out for a goal kick.

The second half saw much the same with Casuals now looking for that equaliser but they were grateful to keeper Lewis Gregory for keeping them in the game although quite how Joseph Proctor failed to score with the goal at his mercy after a Gregory save is a mystery.

The warning signs were there for Casuals but they did force Ryan Williams into a couple of fine saves, the second in injury time from a mazy Karen Danilian run into the box that proved crucial as Newcastle caught Casuals on a counter attack and Oliver Coleman fired home from close range to settle the tie.

Once again Wolverhampton Casuals fall to a final defeat against Newcastle Town and all that was left was for them to lift the Midweek Floodlit Youth Cup trophy!

Congratulations to both sides for providing a competitive and entertaining final and thanks to all at Stafford Rangers Football Club for the use of their facilities.