Academy Seals Historic Midweek Cup VICTORY

Needham Market FC U18s lifted the Midweek Cup for the first time after a dramatic 3–3 draw and 6–5 penalty shootout victory over AFC Sudbury U18s at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Sudbury raced into a 2–0 lead with a tap-in and a header from a corner. James Coton pulled one back before the break, following up after Kellen Fiddy’s volley struck the post.

Luca celebrating after scoring the winning penalty

In the second half, substitute Filip Zaldo levelled with a well-taken finish before Evan Gledhill curled in a superb 25-yard free-kick to make it 3–2. Sudbury equalised late on from the penalty spot to force a shootout.

After Filip Zaldo missed Needham’s first penalty, Charlie Smy, Brad Smith, James Coton, and Evan Gledhill all converted. Sudbury had the chance to win it with their fifth but missed. In sudden death, Kellen Fiddy and a Sudbury player both scored before Charlie Skinner saved low to his left. This left Olly Bowman to win it however this was saved by the Sudbury goalkeeper. Sudbury then missed again, handing Luca Savill the opportunity to win it, slotting into the top corner to secure the trophy.

Manager Colin Grogan said: “It is testament to the work that James Mant and the Academy team have put in over the course of the season, with a group of lads who have got lots of potential, including four under 16's in the squad, to win the cup in their first year. We have tried for many years to win this competition and doing it against a very good team in AFC Sudbury makes it all the more special."

Olly Reynolds leading the team out

Captain Olly Reynolds said: ""What a night, what an experience it was. I’ve won cups with different teams, but this was definitely more special. The boys have had a great season, even though some results weren’t deserved. This was a perfect way to end the season. I couldn’t be more proud of the lads, and I couldn’t ask for a better group either. The determination and resilience the whole squad showed during not only the final but the other rounds was superb. I’m really excited to see what the lads can produce next season, hoping for bigger and better results. As a team, we were so lucky to have such an amazing set of staff who supported and motivated us to the end. This was instrumental to our success."

This victory marks a proud moment for the Academy, made possible by the continued support of our loyal fans and the commitment of our outstanding staff and volunteers. Your efforts throughout the season have not gone unnoticed, and we thank you for everything you do.

Take a look at some of the pictures taken by club photographer Ben Pooley (Click to expand):