The celebrations continued long after the final whistle and when they finally emerged from the home dressing room, Simon Clark and two of his victorious players reflected on a dramatic conclusion.
“He’s already scored something like seventeen goals for the under-16s this year and it’s only the end of October,” said the Head Coach on the impact of Justin Clarke.
Justin came off the bench as somewhat of a secret weapon. His acrobatic winner stopped the tie from going to penalties and knocked Cambridge United out of the FA Youth Cup. “The big man is fluid and unpredictable,” added Simon.
You can see the full interview with Simon Clark, match-winner Justin Clarke and Harry Sidwell below.
“We call Riley Horan, who got our first goal, a ‘warrior’. I thought he was absolutely tremendous. To come up with the set play goal was great for us. Justin’s left-foot finish to win it, with it being right at the end of extra time, it was over then.”
“Just hit the ball was all I could think of,” recalled Justin. “I could see it in the sky, and it was the perfect fit for the bicycle kick – so I went for it. As for the celebrations – I didn’t know what to do! I just let the emotions control me.”
Justin got his chance to shine under the lights of Plough Lane, after Harry Sidwell had to come off with cramp in both legs, having worked his socks off all evening in our midfield.
“Chances in matches don’t come about without the work of Harry or Kai Jennings,” said Simon. “Players like that get us up the pitch. Goals don’t come about without us building and that’s what’s really pleasing.”
“I haven’t spoken to my Dad yet or my uncle,” said Harry. “My uncle normally comes down, but he didn’t manage to get here tonight. My Dad was here, and I haven’t seen him yet, but I imagine both their reactions will be good!”
Harry’s uncle is, of course, Lee Sidwell – a 2002/03 Player of the Year with us, while dad Steve had a successful career with Reading, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Fulham, and Brighton.
“I don’t want to achieve things off the back of Dad’s name,” added Harry. “I want to make my own name in football. I don’t feel the pressure and I just go out there and be myself. I play how I play – with confidence.”
Photos: Stephen Flynn (Pro Sports Images).