City slickers prove they are up for Cup
IT was an all-Newcastle City Juniors affair at Whitley Park as City Juniors edged their counterparts City Milan 3-2 to lift the McDonalds NFA Under-15 Boys Cup, writes DAN SIMMONITE.
An early goal from City Juniors’ Josh Crews was met with two stunning strikes from Kieron Moat in the second half.
However, it was the heroics of Rob Ryland which sealed the deal for City Juniors as the forward netted the equaliser on 67 minutes and bagged the winner in extra time.
With at least one piece of silverware in the bag, City Juniors can now look forward to their under-14s Milan side playing in the Goals Newcastle Colts Cup final against Wallsend Boys Club Yellows.
The club have four teams competing in the Northumberland FA finals - to the delight of director of football Steve Chambers.
He said: “I believe it is the coaching which attracts the players.
“That is what we pride ourselves on - we make sure the boys are continually challenged and treated in a good environment.
“It is excellent to be at the pinnacle in terms of the County Cups.
“They are the biggest cups in the region to compete for and this victory is a great advert for our club.”
City Juniors are notorious in the North East for developing young talent, many of their current crop now playing in the youth sides of Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough - and they anticipate more will follow suit.
Chambers added: “There are quite a few players in the higher age groups who still have a chance. Rob Ryland is a very good player - he glides across the floor and for me he is one who has a chance in the professional game.
“I expect a few of these players to be picked up after the finals - if it is not this year then next year.”