Swansea City Under-19s Matthew Blake FAW Youth Cup
10th March
Young defender Matthew Blake enjoyed his big opportunity with Swansea City Under-19s after his goal helped book a place in the FAW Youth Cup final.
The 16-year-old struck a second-half volley to add to Kyle Copp's earlier strike as the holders booked their ninth consecutive final following a 2-0 win over Newport County at Port Talbot's Genquip Stadium.
Blake was the youngest member of the U19s side, which included first year pros Kyle Copp, Owain Jones, Adnan Maric and Keston Davies.
And he was delighted to have played his part in helping the U19s move to within one victory of lifting silverware.
"It was great to have an opportunity to play-up with the Under-19s," he said. "Taking that step up to another age group is a lot different at first but the more games you play at a higher level, the more you get used to it.
"I've played for the Under-18s a few times this season, which has really helped my development.
"I notice the difference when I play with the Under-16s, which only adds to my game confidence."
His 75th-minute strike was Blake's debut goal in the competition, with the Swans set to defend their title against either Penybont FC or GAP Connahs Quay next month.
And Blake revealed the squad's determination to continue their tradition in the competition.
"It means so much to help the team reach the final," added Blake. "To score a goal was an added bonus. I saw the cross come over and I tried my luck at the volley - luckily for me it went in.
"We have a proud history in this competition that we want to maintain.
"If we want to retain the cup we have to be professional and repeat the performances we have put in during the earlier rounds."
The 16-year-old struck a second-half volley to add to Kyle Copp's earlier strike as the holders booked their ninth consecutive final following a 2-0 win over Newport County at Port Talbot's Genquip Stadium.
Blake was the youngest member of the U19s side, which included first year pros Kyle Copp, Owain Jones, Adnan Maric and Keston Davies.
And he was delighted to have played his part in helping the U19s move to within one victory of lifting silverware.
"It was great to have an opportunity to play-up with the Under-19s," he said. "Taking that step up to another age group is a lot different at first but the more games you play at a higher level, the more you get used to it.
"I've played for the Under-18s a few times this season, which has really helped my development.
"I notice the difference when I play with the Under-16s, which only adds to my game confidence."
His 75th-minute strike was Blake's debut goal in the competition, with the Swans set to defend their title against either Penybont FC or GAP Connahs Quay next month.
And Blake revealed the squad's determination to continue their tradition in the competition.
"It means so much to help the team reach the final," added Blake. "To score a goal was an added bonus. I saw the cross come over and I tried my luck at the volley - luckily for me it went in.
"We have a proud history in this competition that we want to maintain.
"If we want to retain the cup we have to be professional and repeat the performances we have put in during the earlier rounds."
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