Academy's top two extend their lead

Football finally returned after the festive break to the NPL Youth League on Wednesday with the top two teams from the NPL Football Academy extending their unbeaten runs with convincing away victories.

The wet weather saw Mickleover Sports travel to the Northwood Stadium instead of Harrison Park. The decision to play the game on the FIFA accredited 4G pitch proved successful for the visitors at least who left with a 3-0 win under their belts.

The scoreline may look comfortable but there was quality on show from both sides. Leek played some excellent football throughout with only their finishing letting them down for several excellent chances.

Sports have had no problem on that score during their 3-0 win at Leek. Despite missing top scorer Craig Bagshaw, a well worked goal from Shane Tompkinson and a double from Joe Alldread sealed victory to ensure they maintained top spot.

Romulus did well to come from two goals down at half-time to keep up with Sports in a hard fought 5-2 win at Newcastle Town.

First half goals from Ben Thomas and Brandon Payne gave the home side the lead at the break before second half braces from Rami Tekle and Shemar Campbell and a strike from Daniel McDonald-Taylor maintained the Roms unbeaten record to take the three points back to Sutton Coldfield.

NPL Youth League Results - Wednesday 7 January

Newcastle Town 2

Scorers: Ben Thomas, Brandon Payne
Team: M.Halliwell, Bowers, Whiston, Smith, Need, Foster, Eaton, Rowe, Arnold, Allerton, Thomas.

Romulus 5

Scorers: Rami Tekle (two goals), Shemar Campbell (two goals), Daniel McDonald-Taylor
Team: Jones, Goldsmith, Rutty-Smith, Tekle, McLoughlin, Sheenan, Murchington, Mfoyi, Bell, Pitt, McDonald-Taylor.

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Leek Town 0

Teams: Jones, Ellis, Swhive, Burndred, Hall, Machin, Faulkner, Simms, Shilcock, Graham-Shea, Knight.

Mickleover Sports 3

Scorers: Shane Tompkinson 55, Joe Alldread 64, 78
Team: Tolley, Amiri, Cronin, Sanderson, Tickner, Buxton, Tompkinson, Haidary, Alldread, Ward, Hussein.

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* The EVO-STIK NPL is the first league in English football to launch a youth league and academy combining football with further education.

The NPLFA opened its doors to its first intake of students in September at five pilot clubs - Leek Town, Mickleover Sports, Newcastle Town, Radcliffe Borough and Romulus - after being officially sanctioned by the Football Association in May.

The initial pilot programme sees up to 20 students aged 16-18 studying for a BTEC Level 3 in Sport on two year courses at each club while working with FA licensed coaches on a daily basis. As well as competing in the new EVO-STIK NPL Youth League, they also play in national competitions led by the FA Youth Cup.

Three more clubs, Witton Albion, Lancaster City and Belper Town, have already signed up for next season since the start of the current campaign with the NPLFA set to continue expanding and welcoming more clubs on board.

Follow the new academy's progress at nplfa.co.uk, twitter.com/NPLFA and at facebook.com/NPLFA.

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