WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
FA Youth Cup (Semi-Final 2nd leg)
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Blackburn)
8 April 1954

Rhodes B.

Ling J.

Wickers R.

Taylor J.

Swan R.

Vichion A.

Lill M.

Matthews

Blackburn

Francis J.

Foreman S.

There was rather a disappointing attendance for the floodlight match between our Colts and Wolverhampton Wanderers Juniors in the second leg of the F.A. Youth Cup Semi-Final. Undoubtedly the 6-1 margin against us in the first leg accounted largely for this, but even so we anticipated more to see our own youngsters who have done so well and last season's finalists in what promised to be an interesting fixture.
Nevertheless the 4,000 odd present were not disappointed with the evening's entertainment, despite the obvious fact that greater experience on the part of the visitors would probably prove to again be the decisive factor. The Hammers were always making a fight of it. and particular praise is due to the defence for a stalwart rearguard action against a very clever side.
The all-round overall weight was also in the Wolves' favour, and although they rarely used this to unfair advantage it greatly benefitted them when it came to close-in play, and the tactical experience gained in stiff competition in the Central and Birmingham Leagues often found our youngsters at a disadvantage. This experience-factor was especially noticeable in the case of the Wolves' inside-right Mason. who was always giving ample proof of why he has earned a place in the club's First Division line-up on more than one occasion this season.
Despite this difference between the sides there was no score at half-time, and we could fairly claim that our XI had nearly as much of the play as their opponents. Although it was apparent that they could not wipe out the five-goal deficit which faced them after the first meeting, it became a point of honour for our side to make every endeavour to at least win the second leg. This might easily have come about but for a couple of goals in the space of six minutes after the interval.
The first (in the 58th minute) followed a short cross-pass from the left-wing; Round got his head to this and with Rhodes completely unsighted the ball trickled just inside the post. The second goal was a much better attempt, although a defensive tangle was largely responsible; it was. however, a tribute to the skill of outside-left Cooper that his shot found its way into the net just inside the far post from an acute angle. But the best goal of the match was undoubtedly Blackburn's five minutes from time; he let a long pass from Lill (on the left-wing) run on past the centre-half to just the right spot before hitting it with his left-foot low into the far corner, and it was a tribute to our centre-forward for his earnest endeavours throughout a game in which he far too often had to play a lone hand against a competent defence.
Actually the Hammers showed up far better in the last 20 minutes or so, and were in many ways unfortunate not to force a draw.
Although defeated in this attempt to reach the Final of the trophy this season our Colts have learned many valuable lessons in their passage through the earlier rounds and with these in mind we are positive that they will again make their presence felt in 1954-55. In their turn our managing-staff of the junior sides have likewise appreciated the future position and will plan according!). Yes, we have no cause for despondency!