Canaries clinch cup after eight goal thriller

The Preston side came from 3-1 down to beat Coppice United of Oldham to clinch the cup, 5-3 in extra-time.

This year’s tournament was again played at the Blackburn Rovers Youth Academy in Brockhall.

It is the third year the event has been held at the complex and with eight clubs competing for the title.

A resurgent Coppice United looked to have put paid to Canaries dreams of winning the cup for a second time when a hat-trick from Nathan Eastmond put the Oldham side 3-1 ahead.

Up to that point 2008 champions Coppice looked deserved winners after coming through a derby win against Rochdale’s Asia in the semi-finals.

They looked the sharper and the more accomplished team and that old Coppice spirit had to be admired. At the back they were well mashalled and the likes of Yasser, O’Connel and Khaliq in the middle had an abundance of energy.

It was Canaries however who struck first through through Allen. But Coppice were lethal on the counter and Canaries just could not handle the frightening pace of Eastmond who’s quick-fire hat-trick seemed to have given Coppice the title.

But with thirty minutes still to play Canaries began the fightback - their second in two days. Jerome got them back into contention to make it 3-2. And then the turning point of the game when a header bound for the bottom corner was palmed away by Canaries keeper Eric. And moments later it was 3-3 after a stunning individual effort from Allen.

Into extra-time it seems those substitutes had taken the wind out of Coppice.

Mo Ali found Allen again and after his shot was saved by Nasir, Jerome found the back of the net. A fifth by Allen, who was simply unstoppable by the end of the day secured Canaries second win in this tournament.

Coppice meanwhile could feel proud after having got to their third consecuative final at this venue.

Full analysis and Image team of the tournament in next issue of Asian Image.

Video here soon. Also see picture galleries.