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Emmerson: We faced City without fear

Striker scored the winning goal in FA Youth Cup win on Tuesday.

By Charlie Hanson • 20 January 2022

By Paul Hazlewood
Zak Emmerson was proud to be the player to grab the winner.

Zak Emmerson said that the pre-match message of not being scared of Manchester City’s style paid dividends.

James Baxter’s men showed their mettle with a solid defensive display that was rewarded in the 70th minute when Emmerson fired home from 25 yards.

“It was tough, really tough,” the 17-year-old said. “The first half was the longest 45 minutes of my life! We knew we were coming up against a top team, but what was really pleasing was how well we dug in as a team and how well we defended. To be under pressure and perform the way we did was rewarding.

By Paul Hazlewood
The striker's goal ensured Albion reached the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

“We also got a clean sheet which we’ve struggled to do at times this season, and we did it against one of the best teams at this level.

“The thing that stood out for me in the build-up was we were told not to be scared and that, if we can, try to frustrate them. Teams like that like to keep hold of the ball and not be put under pressure, but when they’ve got a team that put pressure on them and try to force them into mistakes – it was good for us.

“The main thing was staying in the game. At half-time James Baxter said ‘don’t undo the hard work you’ve already put in.’”

The striker’s goal had an air of fortune to it as it slipped through the hands of the City keeper, but regardless Emmerson was delighted to be the man to secure the result for his team.

By Paul Hazlewood
James Baxter's team have beaten Plymouth Argyle and now Manchester City in this campaign's competition.

“It wasn’t my best goal, but they all count. I grew up a Manchester United fan so to get a goal against City was a bonus for me and my family.

“We’re a tightknit group of lads and we’re really pleased to be through to the next round as we’re hoping to go far in this competition.

“As a group we know that it was a really good achievement to beat City, but it’s forgotten about now, we’ve got league games coming up that we need to focus on. We’re confident though that on our day we can give anyone a good game.”