County fell to a late defeat in the EFL Youth Alliance League on Saturday, as a last-minute Accrington goal condemned the young Hatters to a 2-1 loss.
The visitors had the first chance of the game as a quick turn inside the box opened up space for a shot, but Billy Blake did well to save with his feet and keep the ball away from danger.
Accrington came within inches of taking the lead. A looping header at the front post following a corner had Blake beaten, but Luke Partington miraculously glanced the ball over the bar and out of play.
The early pressure paid off for the away side and County fell behind. A mazy run into the box saw the opportunity for a pass across goal, where a red shirt was waiting to tap the ball into an empty net.
County grew into the game and nearly pulled level. Kylan Depiazza drove forward and released Ashton Mee, but the young midfielder’s shot was just wide of the target.
An Accrington mistake at the back nearly gifted County a goal. Lee Williams beat the goalkeeper to the ball outside the area and pulled the ball across the box, but the visiting defence were able to recover and clear the ball.
HALF-TIME: County 0-1 Accrington Stanley
County started the second half as they ended the first. Intricate play down the left between Williams and Partington gave the right-back the opportunity to drive into the box, but his shot from close range was diverted behind for a corner.
The pressure continued to mount on the Accrington goal, and an unbelievable pass by Josh Fowles released Depiazza. A first-time flick unlocked the defence, but the forwards’ strike was well-saved by the goalkeeper.
Callum Scruton came close to scoring a wonder goal. A floated corner was half-cleared by the Accrington defence, and the County defender unleashed a volley which the goalkeeper just managed to tip wide, before Freddie Redshaw’s strike was parried over.
County’s pressure finally paid off in spectacular fashion. Joe Hillary played a low cross into James Barry’s path, who teed up Redshaw for a stunning curling effort from distance, which found the far corner and pulled County level.
A cruel blow in the final moments saw Accrington snatch a victory. A pass through the County back-line resulted in a clear cut opportunity, where the ball was tucked home from close range.
FULL-TIME: County 1-2 Accrington Stanley
County XI: Blake; Partington, Scruton, Kenny, Watson, Redshaw; Fligg, Mee, Williams; Gardner, Depiazza
