Whitehawk made history after a fantastic performance saw them overcome Barking and reach the Second Round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time.

The Hawks went into half-time 2-0 up after a brace from Adrian Jimenez Nsue-Sha, but were pegged back after two goals in as many minutes.

But despite that, Dale Hurley’s young Hawks bounced back and Rio Quaye struck eleven minutes from time to give them a 3-2 win in Essex.

First Half: A Confident Start

Whitehawk had only reached the First Round twice before, last time in 2017/18, and almost went behind early on. A long throw from Jimi Feeley picked out Somfechi Ukonu in the middle, and his glancing header forced Callum Monks into a fine fingertip save.

However, it was the Hawks who went in front with 19 minutes on the clock. Fin Miles’ free-kick 25 yards out was awkward for Alfie Fitzearle and Nsue-Sha reacted quickest to bundle in from close range.

The young Hawks had to weather the storm at times, but defended valiantly before they doubled their advantage four minutes before the break. Mohamed Khedidji chipped the ball through down the left and Nsue-Sha latched onto it, and despite the angle appearing to be against him his low drive across Fitzearle nestled just inside the far post.

The hosts looked for a response before the break, and forced Monks into a smart save when Ukonu received the ball on the edge of the area, but his low drive was well kept out by the Hawks keeper.

Second Half: Barking’s Fightback and Whitehawk’s Resilience

Hawks, though, had their advantage halved on 58 minutes. Taylor Jacobi swung in a free-kick from the right and it fell kindly to Ukonu at the far post, who rifled the ball in to the roof of the net from close range.

And just a minute later, Barking were level. Feeley had space on the left hand side and his low cross was deflected before being flicked beyond Monks by Kehinde Sanni who had ran across the front post.

After conceding twice in quick succession, Hawks had to regroup and show character not to fold, and they did just that – looking to break forward whilst also doing their best to nullify the home threat.

And with 79 minutes on the clock, Hawks got their rewards. Substitute Omar Abdsami lined up a free-kick 25 yards out, and his shot on target was parried away by Fitzearle and Quaye was first to react and he found the bottom corner from eight yards out to put the Hawks back in front.

Hurley’s young side then defended resolutely as time ticked on, and the final whistle was greeted with an almighty cheer from the parents and coaches as Hawks made history.

A Manager’s Pride and Vision

After the game, Hurley expressed his pride and excitement for the team, saying he was “buzzing for the boys” and proud of their hard work. He noted that reaching the second round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time is an incredible achievement, especially for a squad made up primarily of first-year players who will have another shot next year.

Hurley shared that his vision for the club’s youth section was to build a competitive squad that could excel both locally and nationally, seeing this win as a strong first step. Reflecting on the game, he praised the character shown by his players after conceding two quick goals in the second half, commending their ability to regroup and secure the win.

Looking Ahead

With this historic win behind them, Whitehawk U18s will now focus on their league campaign. Hurley acknowledged the challenging schedule, as the team has played just one league game so far. There’s a busy season ahead with 17 more league matches, additional cup competitions, and another night in the FA Youth Cup.

The Hawks have been drawn in a mouthwatering tie away to Leyton Orient in the second round, date to be confirmed.

📽️ @RealDaleHurley shares his thoughts on a historic night for @HawksFCYouth #COYH 🦅 pic.twitter.com/37HI3X2bY2

— Whitehawk FC (@HawksFCOfficial) October 31, 2024

Whitehawk U18s now look forward to building on this momentum as they continue their FA Youth Cup journey. Congratulations to the team on a historic night!