This article was originally published by Mark Lampkin on 12th March 2010
“My son Jason, who as you may know (because I tell everybody!) plays for the Aston Villa Academy (under 18’s) has now reached the semi-finals of the prestigious FA Youth Cup a trophy won by such players as David Beckham no less.
Having beaten Rochdale, West Brom and Millwall in previous rounds the Villa faced a trip to the wonderful old fashioned ground of Craven Cottage to face a really strong Fulham side. One all at full time told the story of a very tight match on an equally tight, and very bumpy, pitch.
Just six minutes of extra time remained when Fulham stole what seem the winner. Having “the Gaffer”, Martin O’Neill in the dugout ensured the lads would fight until their dying breath and they duly scored with literally the last kick of the game sending him leaping like a salmon along the touchline. Almost inevitably the keeper saved the first two penalties sending the claret and blues through to face the black and whites of Newcastle. Stay tuned and fingers crossed for the semi’s.”
Mark Lampkin
Mark Lampkin is founder of Lampkin and Co Accident Solicitors.