Buckland Athletic U18s 0-0 Barnstaple Town U18s
Barnstaple Town win 4-3 on penalties
FA Youth Cup, Preliminary Round
Tuesday 1st September 2026
At Homers Heath

Barnstaple Town's recently assembled young squad did themselves proud with a hard-earned win in South Devon against their older and more established Buckland Athletic opponents.

As part of its future ‘pathway’ strategy, the club has spent several months developing a partnership with Ferdinand Collective Devon and has established a large enough squad to be able to field two U18 teams. One team will continue to compete in the Devon County Youth League with matches on Sunday afternoons, and one as new members of the South West Counties League covering a wide geographical area with most matches on Saturday mornings.

Entering the FA Youth Cup after a break of several seasons, Tuesday's victorious team was drawn from the combined U18s squad.

The match ebbed and flowed, with both sides displaying good organisation, energy and skill, together with moments of brilliance from the goalkeepers - all of which kept the crowd entertained and on the edge of their seats particularly in the closing stages.

Barum created several chances with swift and adventurous play, and when it mattered most they were equal to the concerted pressure from their hosts in the last few minutes, their resilience deservedly taking the game straight to penalties.

And it was joy for the boys from North Devon as four well-struck penalties together with two superb goalkeeper saves put the seal on a highly commendable performance that bodes well for the future.

U18s Manager Ashton Brettell was in upbeat mood after the match: "It’s great to go through to the next round. There’s so much that we - myself, Frank (Rosenwald) and Harvey (Maloney) do behind the scenes to give these boys the best chance of success. This squad is built for something special across all competitions."

Coach Frank Rosenwald added his analysis: “Buckland are a strong team, but I’m not surprised one bit by the result. We attacked with speed and energy and defended with clarity. It would have been even better to see us recognise the moments to switch play, as this would have allowed us to attack spaces left by our opponents rather than the busier areas. For a group relatively new to each other, the togetherness and resolve shown throughout the match was highly encouraging. It’s an exciting feeling and I’m so much looking forward to Saturday already."

A delighted Chairman Paul Larter commented: “I’m full of praise and admiration for this young squad and for all those who’ve made it happen. I feel inspired by these early beginnings and look forward to the positive times that lie ahead as the club lays down the foundations for a genuine, realistic and sustainable youth pathway based on partnership planning."

The draw for the FA Youth Cup First Qualifying Round will be published in due course, with ties to be played in the week beginning Monday 14th September.

In the meantime the U18s squad is in action with two Home games over the coming weekend, 5th and 6th September.

The newly-formed SWCYL side play their first match of the season on Saturday morning against Torquay United U18s - kick off at Mill Road 10.30am, admission £3. (This is followed by the First Team's first Home Southern League fixture of the season against Worcester Raiders, KO at Mill Road 3pm.)

Then on Sunday afternoon, the DCYL side start their season when they face Budleigh Salterton U18s - kick off at Mill Road is 2pm, admission free.

Barnstaple Town's U18 line-up at Buckland Athletic was: Zack Screech (GK), Archie Fennell, Leo Pearson, Lewis Langley, Reece Knewham, Henry Hamilton, Alfie Brown, Josh Bridge, Finn Galliford, Alfie Sullivan, Alfie Jones.

Substitutes (5 were used*): Jake Withecombe, Lewis Kemp*, Matthew Jones*, Rio Bishop*, Jack Rothwell-Todd*, Reuben Wheelhouse, Jay Wheaton*

Attendance: 142