The Essex Under 18's FA County Youth Cup crusade came to a jarring halt on Saturday, as Durham picked off the visitors with a comfortable 3-0 win to leave Essex's cup hopes in tatters for yet another year.

Having coasted through the opening two rounds, which included a five goal demolition of holders Northamptonshire, Essex were hopeful that this was the season that would end their 50-year FA County Youth Cup silverware draught.

However, Durham brought Essex crashing back down to earth with a bump on Saturday with three second half goals that burst the Essex bubble.

Durham took the lead on 62 minutes, pouncing on a rebound after Essex keeper, Chris Mounsey, had done well to block a shot from inside the box.

Essex desperately tried to get themselves back into the game but the heavy Durham pitch slowed down their possession game that had worked so well in the previous two rounds.

Durham put the tie out of reach with a second on 87 before adding a third in stoppage time to leave Essex well and truly beaten.

Essex U18: Mounsey (Romford), Rodwell (Romford), Smith (Purfleet), LaFaci (Fords), King (Romford), Roberts (Purfleet), Brown (Leyton Pennant), Robinson (Romford), Barlex (Romford), Knight (Romford), Carroll (Purfleet).

The Essex U19's Schools side opened up their SEESFAC competition campaign recently when they hosted Kent at Ford Sports and Social Club, Newbury Park.

It proved to be a day of mixed fortunes for Essex with the 'A' squad on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat while the 'B' squad managed to restore some pride for the home team with a thrilling 3-3 draw to claim a share of the spoils.

Having received a late call up, Chima Eberendo of Waltham Forest College scored the 'A' squad's only goal while Daniel Smith of Havering Sixth Form, Tom Rees of Billericay Sixth Form and Chas Murray of Barking Abbey all hit the net for the 'B' team.

Despite not claiming a win on the day, Essex manager Jeff Sexton was optimistic of the County's chances in this year's competition.

"Our reputation over the years has been very strong," said the Essex Schools veteran of 30 years. "It will take a while to sort out the team's camaraderie and we'll be looking to improve," Jeff added.

With Essex facing Middlesex this week and visits to Surrey and Sussex in the new year, Jeff maintains that the County will remain loyal to their traditional values.

"Kent were very good on the day but Essex has always been more about good attitude and team spirit that winning. That educational value is very important to us," he concluded.

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001