Youth football

Canterbury Youth under-16s reached the East Kent Youth cup final with a 3-1 victory over Hawkinge Youth on Sunday. After an even start to the semifinal, Charlie Nicholson was brought down for a penalty, which Adam Hogben dispatched. Canterbury were further rewarded when William Andrews chipped a ball to Nicholson who lobbed the keeper to make it 2-0 at half-time. The second half proved scrappier with fewer chances. Canterbury’s defence held firm with some fine last-ditch tackles from Mahel Koch and a clearance off the line from Jay Foreman. At the other end, an Andrews effort hit the bar and a Jacob Williams shot hit the post. It did become 3-0, though, as Hogben’s free-kick was headed in by Jonathan Mcallister. Hawkinge threatened and scored a late consolation but were denied by the Canterbury defence including Seamus Mohan and man-of-the-match JJ Bennett.

Picture: Paul Amos FM4673787 Canterbury’s Gary Mickelborough drives forward, prompting Ashford keeper George Kamurasi to rush out of his area