Academy Watch - 10/9/25

Spartans U19's made the 450-mile round trip to National League side Solihull Moors for their NLFA North Division game, and found themselves 2-0 down within the first 20 minutes of the game.

Attacking midfielder Owen Lees kick-started a comeback though, while fellow midfielder Harry Richardson levelled the game up to make it 2-2. It looked like the points would be shared once again, that was until Zach Simpson smashed home a left-footed volley into the top corner to make it 3-2 and win it for the young Spartans!

As for the U17's, they faced a South Shields side in Division H. After going 1-0 down after 22 minutes, Jay Richardson drew the game level before half-time.

The Mariners made it 2-1 on the hour mark, but Jake Taylor levelled the game up, before forward Kuba Zmich made it 3-2 to Blyth to win the game and put the U17's top of the table.

A solid win for both our academy sides - securing wins over two of the stronger sides in their respective leagues. Well done lads!

Highlights from both games will be available on YouTube shortly.

Attention now turns to the FA Youth Cup, as Spartans visit Newcastle Blue Star U18's next Friday (19th September) at the KD Stadium.