The junior Blues defied strong winds and a heavy pitch to serve up a highly entertaining county cup quarter final that wasn't quite as one-sided as the scoreline might suggest.

Gary Fullers u18s included several players that have featured for the u21s this season and that experience showed through at times as Jamie Fuller's cool head gave him the edge in a midfield battle that was physical and competitive as the u17s impressive Naihum Stevens scrapped for every yard of space.

It was the u18s, though, that coped better with the wind and although the conditions made it hard for the u17s to get out of their own half they still did well to close down their older counterparts in their defensive third.

Calum Maltese put the u18s ahead after six minutes, cutting in from the right and firing the ball inside the far post from just inside the penalty area. Glock doubled the advantage after 17 minutes when he looped the ball over the keeper which had more than a hint of wind-assistance as it floated beyond the reach of the retreating defenders.

The u17s heads were never down and urged on by coach Nana Boachie they caused some nervy moments at the back for the u18s when they prised open the full-backs a little to easily for Gary Fuller's liking but a Jamie Fuller brace then looked to have put the tie beyond doubt. The u18s captain was quick to react on the break after half and hour and he rolled the ball beyond a stranded keeper and he scored the u18s fourth on 39 minutes when he reacted first to a knock-back from a corner to dink home from close range.

With four minutes left of the half tall centre-back Kemp made it five with a good header into the top corner from a free kick, sending the u18s in at the break with a comfortable lead.

Any hint that the u17s were there for the taking was soon dispelled early in the second half as they attacked the u18s right from the whistle, using the wind to their advantage to get the ball into dangerous areas quickly. Playing with their tails up the u17s were a little too naïve too early as Akinlade was able to break and force the ball home after 51 minutes to make it 6-0...it was their last real shot on target but it really was a mountain to climb...

...but it didn't stop the u17s.

Skipper Ben Stevens dragged the defence up to play a high line and the u18s spent most of the second period camped in their own half. When they did break, they struggled to stay onside.

Billy Davis, who also plays for the Blues Academy side, was a constant menace and the u18s back four struggled to deal with him as he chased down every ball and played right along the line, drawing fouls and winning corners.

The u17s were given a glimmer of hope ten minutes into the half when Lewis Grant scored with a cracking header from a floated free-kick. A succession of corners had the u18s nervously looking at each other and mid-way through the second half and unlikely comeback looked like it could be on the cards when Naihum Stevens bundled home from a corner.

James Boachie unleashed a fierce drive from 30 yards which looked to be dipping just under the bar but Jack Armistead palmed it over. Armistead was called into action again soon after, saving well at the feet of Davis.

Another Ben Steven's free kick caused mayhem at the back for the u18s with Armistead again denying the u17s a way back into the game, forcing the ball around the post for another corner.

As time ran out the u18s were able to calm the game down and take the sting out of the u17s attack and snuff out the hopes of a comeback, with the younger players battling right until the very last minute of stoppage time.

The u18s are now one match away from a county cup final, and we will bring you news of the draw and their progress as it happens.

The match was watched by Janet Packer, Tony Packer and David Raven and all three were full of praise for two teams that are a credit to the club, their coaches and families and we expect to see some of these youngsters challenging for places in the senior squads before the season is out.