Leeds United’s under-18s overcame Millwall in the FA Youth Cup on Thursday night at Elland Road, setting up a final with Manchester City, despite some concerns about Charlie Crew’s injury.
More than 10,000 fans attended an FA Youth Cup match between two under-18 teams on a dreary Thursday night in April. That pretty much sums up the fanaticism that Leeds United fans have for their club, which Rob Etherington was trying to convey to his players this week.
His under-18 team defeated Millwall 4-3 in an intriguing, rain-soaked game to advance to the final, which must be played before the end of May 4. If the day is memorable for reasons other than Star Wars, it is because it is the final day of the Championship season.
Leeds face Southampton on what is shaping up to be an epic day of destiny in the second division as the Whites pursue promotion. While that date is set for the Youth Cup final, it is very possible that it will be played before then.
Etherington wants it shifted so his under-18s can focus without interruptions while still feeling the added strain of a final. Manchester City will host the game, and given how many fans showed up last night, it appears unlikely that their academy would be able to match demand for tickets.
“Speaking for myself, I think the club would back it (a fixture date change),” he went on to say. “We want to put as much focus and pressure on the players as possible. So, if we could skip that day, we could certainly accomplish that.”
He went on to say, “We could fill the Etihad, to be honest, so they might need a bigger stadium than that.” It’s what sets us apart from every other club and academy. Ten and a half thousand is something we’re all really proud of.
“We’re so proud to work and to play and represent this football club, so yes, if it was at the Etihad we’d probably fill it.”
Aside from the practicalities and excitement of a famous cup final, which Leeds will play for the first time since 1997, there was a minor injury concern at Elland Road on Thursday. Charlie Crew, despite being fresh to the senior group, is not someone Daniel Farke wants to rule out of his matchday squad just now.
The 17-year-old began Thursday’s game and shone in his best moments as United’s chief dictator in the middle, finishing with a first-half goal. However, Crew did not complete the game.
Crew was clattered in the final five minutes of normal time and remained on the turf afterward. He was begging his teammates to pitch the ball so he could get some treatment.
They played on, and the Wales youth international had to get back on his feet, attempting to walk the pain away, but it was evident he couldn’t. Crew could hardly move, and when the ball went dead, he collapsed and limped off to be replaced.
Etherington, who commended Crew’s character and said his inclusion was never in doubt despite his rapid rise, hoped it was just tired legs for the youth rather than something more sinister.
“He’s a top young person, he’s a top player,” the coach remarked. “On a moment like this, everyone at the club wants our top players, our finest youth players, to play on that stage, and there were certainly no genuine discussions about it (crew being pulled).
“For him to come out and try to be the best player on the pitch, for him and where he’s at, is perfect experience and exposure for him.”
When asked if Crew was okay, the head coach responded, “Yeah, I think he’s just got some tired legs, but he’s not the only one.”
