Durham County U18s in good spirits ahead of FA County Youth Cup semi-final trip to Cornwall

Jim Thompson’s side face the long journey to St Blazey to take on Cornwall in the semi-final (2pm), with the home side out to reach their first ever final.

Durham go into the game on a high, having beaten West Riding 2-0 to keep alive their title hopes in the Association of Northern Counties Youth Competition last weekend.

Two late goals sealed victory, with Ryan Kirby finally making the breakthrough in the 76th minute, rising brilliantly to head home a cross to the back post.

Durham clinched the win two minutes from time, woith Elliot Forbes converting from close range after Ben Cains’ free-kick into the danger zone caused chaos.

Durham’s win took them back to top spot in Division One, ahead of Lincolnshire on goal difference. Both sides have just one game left.

Durham U18 squad: Carl Robinson, Ethan Harker, Dale Milburn (all Darlington Youth), Brandon Alderson, Luke Bailey, Gareth McMahon, James Moore, Decklan Greenwood (all Spennymoor Town), Dominic Curl, Callum Smith, Declan Sproston (all Shildon), Ryan Kirby (Stockton Town), Jack Vaulks (Esh Winning), Elliot Forbes, Ben Cains (both Ryton Blacks), David Latham (Chester-le-Street Town)