Allen’s Army Battle to Victory
A six-goal thriller followed by a tense 5-4 penalty shootout at Prince’s Park saw Paul Allen’s Erith Town Under-18 defeat Dartford FC Under-18 and progress to the next round of the FA Youth Cup.
Playing in front of a lively bumper crowd, The Dockers started on the front foot well and dominated the early passages of play with some flowing football and effective passing but lacked the killer instinct in the final third with their final ball and shooting.
It was the home side who took the lead, arguably against the run of play, and found that lead doubled shortly after. Most teams would have felt deflated and out the tie, but Allen’s young side managed to get themselves back level, and an equaliser on the stroke of half-time saw the momentum and confidence switch back to Erith Town.
It was The Darts who took back control of the game when an in-swinging free-kick was met with a free header before nestling into the back of the net, and again, even the most positive of The Dockers’ Faithful were thinking this may not be the young side’s night. After repeatedly hitting the woodwork, it seemed like it just wasn’t to be, but an equaliser deep into the second half had those in attendance from both sides thinking that they could get the goal that wins the game.
Erith were reduced to ten men after a straight red, and although they had the deficit, The Dockers still looked the more likely to score and win the game in normal time. Alas, that was not to be, and spot kicks were to follow.
Although there were plenty from the home support who were trying to intimidate our young players, the maturity and confidence was for all to see. Scoring all five penalties and seeing a Dartford penalty ironically come back off the woodwork, Paul Allen’s side were the deserved victors in an exciting game of football.
Whether you had an Erith Town or Dartford hat on, yesterday’s youth game was one that can rival many games at adult level, and both sides showed why they are worthy of playing in such a prestigious competition.
We would like to wish Dartford Under-18 the best of luck for this season, and a huge well done to Paul Allen and his entire Under-18 squad. These boys have shown just what those on the Dockers Pathway can achieve, and we are all immensely proud of them.
#UpTheDockers