Monkwearmouth Year 7As reach the ESFA National Cup Quarter Finals

Monkwearmouth’s ever-succeeding Year 7A group made the quarter finals of the ESFA National Cup on Monday, defeating Garforth Academy at home 4-0.

Kairon Goldsmith’s brace, as well as single goals by Charlie Stoker and Josh Jones ensured Monkwearmouth a spot in the quarter final draw, which will be live streamed on YouTube next Monday.

And head coach, Jamie Chandler, is excited to see where this journey takes the talented group.

He told SportsByte: “I am very proud of the lads. To reach the last 8/quarter finals of a National Competition is an incredible achievement.

“We spoke to them after and the journey they have been on from September has been fantastic. Their hard work, application on a daily basis is something that inspires us as coaches and I have no doubt they will confide to develop both as individuals and as a team.

Chandler was happy with how his side dominated the match, in which Garforth hardly stood a chance.

“I felt we controlled the game for large spells. We were on the front foot and created lots of chances as well as look solid on the transition.

“We have been working a lot on different patterns to be forward thinking and positive and I think the chances created and goals we scored were top class.”

And keeping the net clean formed what was a formidable performance by ‘keeper, Kyle Austin.

“It’s always pleasing to get a clean sheet,” Chandler continued, “and I was delighted for Kyle in goal who pulled off a superb save at 2-0 but the boys in front of him, not just the defenders but the midfielders and attacking players, worked so hard to limit a very talented team who had academy players from Manchester United/Leeds to very little.

Looking ahead, the quarter final draw next Monday is sure to excite players and parents alike as Monkwearmouth’s cohort take one step further to unprecedented national cup glory.

Chandler added: “We are excited for the draw which will be live on YouTube next Monday and we will prepare well for the next challenge.

“I’d also like to say a special mention to the parents and other age groups throughout the Academy who took the time to come and support the lads to get them over the line. “

It was a special afternoon for the Academy and shows the togetherness and collaboration that we have between players, coaches and the parents.”