YOUNG BOATMEN SO PROUD

FA YOUTH CUP

Second Record

MANSFIELD TOWN YOUTH 5 DUNKIRK FC YOUTH 2

Att: 506

Admission £3

Programme £1

On the way to the Second Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup, Dunkirk the lowest ranked team left in the competition had seen off teams from a higher level, infact in the First Round beating Coventry City to be rewarded with a trip to the One Call Stadium(Field Mill), the home of Mansfield Town FC.

It was good to see a good turn out of supporters from the riverside club, including many of the faces of players from the 1990;s period and also to see their very strong committee on hand at the game.

Many of the players that play for Dunkirk Youth team are from AFC Dunkirk who ply their trade in the Notts Senior League and it was a credit to go along and watch this tie with League Chairman Ian Kirk.

The game kicked off and it was Dunkirk who had the early opportunities as they were on the front foot forcing the home keeper in to a couple of saves, but after 13 minutes and with Mansfield's first real threat ALISTAIR SMITH fired them in to the lead.

On 16 minutes, it was 2-0 to the young Stags when ZAYN HAKEEM cut in from the left and fired home. The Stags were now on fire and on 19 minutes, ALISTAIR SMITH's lob found the back of the net to make it 3-0.

Dunkirk then showed their fighting spirit and all was not lost when on 22 minutes, Harrison;s cross from the right wing was met by the head of JOEL HOWES to reduce the arrears, but not much time for celebrating as ZAYN HAKEEM scored his second and his clubs fourth on 24 minutes to make it 4-1. 

Again Dunkirk pressed forward and again on 32 minutes, JACK WARNER netted from 30 yards out. The Boatman continued to press for a third goal, but it didnt arrive.

The Second Half both sides were a lot more solid in defence, with both sides creating chances to add to thhe scoring, including Dunkirk hitting the post, but after 81 minutes ZAKN HAKEEM secured his hat trick to fire the youngs Stags in to Round Three where they travel down to the capital to face Fulham FC.

A outstanding achievement to Dunkirk FC to get this far in this competition and some very good young players on show for both sides.good