The Pitching In Isthmian Football League

History-makers keep the flag flying!

20 Nov 2015 By David Watters

The Metropolitan Police and Worthing are both looking forward to making more history when they fly the flag for the Ryman League in the third round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time ever.

Both clubs are hailing their youngsters this weekend after they reached the third round for the first time in their respective histories, the Met knocking out Yeovil Town 7-6 on penalties at Huish Park on Wednesday night and the Rebels dispatching Biggleswade Town 24 hours later when they won a 4-3 thriller in Bedfordshire.

Along with Ilkeston FC and Ebbsfleet, the clubs are now the only Non-League sides left in the competition. Middlesbrough's academy stars are next up at home for Ryman South Worthing while the Met will head north to take on another Championship club, Burnley.

On their best ever run, Worthing have so far recorded victories over Loxwood, Wick & Barnham, Leatherhead and Burgess Hill Town before beating Sutton United 4-3 after extra-time.

Despite arriving late for their midweek tie, the Rebels raced into 4-0 lead by half-time, Henry Watson, Ben Pope, Matt Hards and Tom Watson giving them what looked to be an unassailable advantage before the Southern League's Waders bounced back with three goals in 15 minutes to drag themselves back into the tie.

In the West Country, the Met's Luke Brant broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half from the spot but they were pegged back on 89 minutes when substitute Dion Macfoy-Johnston netted a leveller for the League Two Glovers. After heading into the marathon shoot-out following extra-time, keeper Kallum Lunn emerged as the Met's hero when he decisively denied Paul Akinuli in sudden death.

On the way to the third round, the Met accounted for Hampton & Richmond Borough, Knaphill and Folkestone Invicta in the qualifying rounds before needing extra-time and penalties to beat Dulwich Hamlet's youngsters earlier this month to reach the second round.

Non-League other representatives, Ebbsfleet and Ilkeston FC, will take on former Ryman League champions AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow and Newcastle United at the New Manor Ground in Nottinghamshire respectively.

To see highlights of the Met's win click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=55ieBP-Ou58&feature=youtu.be.

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