Oxford test for young Linnets in National Cup

Under-14 footballers from the Linnets are just three matches away from completing an incredible league and cup double.

Youngsters from King’s Lynn Town, who have already won the Junior Premier League, host Oxford in the quarter-finals of the National Cup at KES Academy on Saturday (10.30am).

Lynn’s unbeaten young guns defeated Kidderminster Harriers 4-1 at KES last weekend to book their place in the last eight.

Goalkeeper Sam Hoyle made some excellent saves early on before a fiercely-struck effort from Harry Grummitt, after fine work from Joe Halfhide, sparked Lynn into life.

The breakthrough arrived when a driven free-kick from Harrison Jones split the Kidderminster defence and Leo Petersen-Barber slotted home.

Kidderminster came out fighting in the second half but the Linnets put their foot on the gas and went through the gears. Petersen-Barber fired home his second after Cavalli Ashman’s initial attempt was saved by the visiting goalkeeper, before a thunderbolt of a free-kick from Jones made it 3-0.

The young Linnets weren’t finished yet as Petersen-Barber completed his hat-trick with a neat finish.

Kidderminster grabbed a consolation through a deflected free-kick – but nothing could take away from a fine display from Lynn.

Lynn’s physicality and desire to win was the difference on the day.

Special mention went to Sam Hoyle, Piotr Szewczuk and Harrison Jones who were all excellent, whilst Leo Petersen-Barber picked up his third treble of the campaign.