Success on international stage for Academy side
Last week Northampton Town’s U15 squad made the trip to Nottingham to take part in the Nottingham International Cup 2015. The Cobblers were placed in the Elite group with other Academy teams alongside Chesterfield and Walsall, as well as international opponents from Nigeria amongst others.
The tournament took place over a four day period, with teams playing two 70 minute games per day in the space of just a few hours. After three days of qualifying matches in a league format, the Cobblers topped the group with five wins and one draw, scoring a total of 21 goals and conceding just 3.
The fourth day of the tournament saw the boys face Nigerian opponents and holders of the Nottingham Cup Greensprings in the overall final, who had finished a close second in the league format on the days prior. The game attracted crowds of spectators in what proved to be an exciting climax to the week.
After a tentative first 30 minutes it was Northampton who took the lead through a fantastic half volley from Michael Venezia. Greensprings soon hit back with two goals in quick succession, to send the Nigerians in at half time 2-1 to the good.
But the Cobblers were not to be beaten without a fight and stepped up a gear in the second half, racing into a 3-2 lead through goals from Jacob Ballinger and Joe Jarvis respectively. But as Northampton continued to press for a fourth which would close off the game, Greensprings found a way back through a quick counter which pegged the game at 3-3. With extra time and penalties looming, any goal at this stage would win the competition, and it was the Cobblers who deservedly took the trophy with a last minute winner from Striker Luis Corcoran who calmly slotted home from close range.
We would like to say well done to all those players involved in the squad, and a huge thank you to all those involved in organising and running what proved to be a very professional, successful tournament.