Academy Watch 25/2/26

Spartans U17's secured a 3-2 victory away at South Shields yesterday, to complete the double over the young Mariners.

Jake Taylor put Spartans in front with a superb strike early on, but the hosts netted twice before the end of the half to snatch the lead.

The wind would have an impact on the second half, but it didn't throw the young Spartans off their game as striker Jay Richardson broke forward to make it 2-2. With 20 minutes to go, Jake Taylor snatched his second of the game to ultimately win the game for the Spartans.

The U17's remain in 2nd place in NLFA Division H, just two points behind Harrogate Town at the top of the table.

As for the U19's, they suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Boston United. That loss sees them drop down to 4th spot in the NLFA Division North, though they do have games in hand on the likes of National League sides FC Halifax Town and Gateshead, who sit above them.