The National Youth Championships 2024 Boys’ tournament showcased another action-packed day of football.
Day four of the tournament saw the Northern NSW Football squads secure a win and a loss in the quarter-finals.
The under-16s came from behind to secure a thrilling 3-2 win over Football NSW Metro White to progress through to the semi-finals.
The match was high intensity from the first whistle with so much on the line for both teams.
NNSWF and Football NSW Metro White created opportunities to edge ahead early on.
But Football NSW Metro White broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick.
NNSWF were determined to score, but the fightback got even harder when Football NSW Metro White doubled the score after they broke on the counterattack.
But NNSWF continued to push in attack in hopes of getting themselves back into the game, which they did in the 44th minute through Max Wettig.
A miscommunication between a Football NSW Metro White defender and the goalkeeper allowed Wettig to run onto a long ball and tap it into the back of an empty net to put his side back in the contest at 2-1.
NNSWF levelled the score after an unmarked Oliver Cockle struck the ball hard and low past the goalkeeper.
It looked like the match would move to penalties as the score remained 2-2 as the final minutes ticked past.
But NNSWF completed the dream comeback when they were awarded a penalty kick. Dash Baker stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to book his side’s spot in the semi-finals.
The under-16s will take on the winner of Football Victoria White tomorrow in the semi-finals.
The under-15s went down 5-0 in their quarter-final match against Football Victoria Blue.
NNSWF put on a brave performance and fought until the final whistle but were unable to hit the back of the net.
The match was a great opportunity for NNSWF to test themselves against some of the best players their age in Australia.
The under-15s will look to bounce back when they take on either Football Victoria Silver tomorrow morning.
NNSWF Technical Director Ryan Doidge said he was proud of the efforts displayed in the performances on day four of the tournament.
“I am really proud of the efforts from both sides,” Doidge said.
“The under-15s fought well after a big output in yesterday’s game. They ultimately lost out to a very good team. Hopefully, they can regroup and approach tomorrow’s game with the right mentality.
“The under-16s secured a fantastic result showing high levels of determination and enthusiasm. The boys didn’t give up and kept going right until the end. They got the deserved result in the end.
“I look forward to watching the under-16s continue to represent our region proudly in the semi-finals.
“It is great to have Northern NSW Football teams making it to the semi-finals in the boys' and girls' tournaments in 2024, reinforcing the talent we have in our footprint.”
Day Five Fixtures:
Under-15s
Northern NSW v Victoria Silver
Saturday 20 July, 9am
JJ Kelly Park
Under-16s Semi-Final
Northern NSW v Queensland White
Saturday 20 July, 11:50am
WIN Stadium
More on the National Youth Championships:
CLICK HERE to view the Official National Youth Championships 2024 Boys’ Tournament Digital Program with Fixtures
CLICK HERE to watch* the National Youth Championships 2024 Boys’ Tournament thanks to Kommunity TV (*subscription required)
CLICK HERE to view the live tables and results
