Castle come from behind in academy clash

The second round of games in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's new NPL Youth League saw Newcastle Town come from two behind to beat Leek Town 4-3 on Wednesday, writes Phil Bradley.

The other scheduled fixture in the competition - launched this season as part of the ground-breaking new Northern Premier League Football Academy - between Radcliffe Borough and Romulus fell victim to the weather after torrential rain in the Manchester area during the morning.

Dylan Shilcock, who has scored in both of the Blues' games so far, and Jordan Burndred had put the visitors side two up before Newcastle reduced the deficit through Sam Arnold on 68 minutes.

Reece Bromfield restored Leek’s two goal cushion in the 74th minute before a double from Ryan Rowe on 79 and 86 minutes, both from the spot, levelled matters.

Then, two minutes into stoppage time, Newcastle's Sam Arnold, who hit a brace in a losing cause last week at Micklover, scored his second to steal the points from under the noses of Leek and take his personal tally to four goals in two outings.

NPL Youth League Results - Wednesday 12 November
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Newcastle Town 4
Arnold 68, 90+2, Rowe 79 (PEN), 86 (PEN)
Leek Town 3
Shilcock 12, Burndred 57, Bromfield 74

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Radcliffe Borough P
Romulus P
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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 back 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 will also play in national competitions led by the FA Youth Cup.

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

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