Building on the Barking Victory

The week began with confidence high following the Young Blues’ record-breaking 9–2 victory away at Barking. Monday’s extended training session combined physical and technical work, beginning with a warm-up and power-based activities before progressing into attacking patterns and three-versus-two practices. The players focused on attacking at speed, breaking down organised defences and becoming more clinical in front of goal. The session concluded with an 11-versus-11 game before the group reviewed footage from the Barking victory through Veo analysis. On Tuesday, the U18 group completed a lighter session ahead of the FA Youth Cup fixture against Haverhill Rovers. The players worked through specific patterns and final preparations for Wednesday’s tie, while several other scholars were involved with the Lowestoft Town First Team against Needham Market.

FA Youth Cup Heartbreak

Lowestoft Town U18s made an excellent start against Haverhill and produced their best half of football together as a group. Gabriel Hind opened the scoring after eight minutes following good work from Sammy Labead. Captain Aiden Chirimunjiri doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute, driving into the penalty area and firing home after an excellent pass from Noah Underdown. The Young Blues entered half-time with a deserved 2–0 lead, having dominated proceedings and prevented Haverhill from registering a shot on target.

However, the visitors returned with greater intensity and scored two headers from free kicks to bring the contest level. Lowestoft created several opportunities to restore their advantage, but Haverhill completed the comeback through a counter-attack in added time. The 3–2 defeat brought Lowestoft’s FA Youth Cup journey to a heartbreaking conclusion. We congratulate Haverhill Rovers and wish them all the best in the next round. We would also like to thank Gary Bennett and Lauren Lou Storage Facilities for once again sponsoring the fixture and supporting our young players.

Inside the Week: Luca Upton and Sammy Tipple

Luca Upton and Sammy Tipple both reflected on the disappointment of Wednesday’s defeat but highlighted the importance of the lessons the group can take from the experience. The scholars believed their preparation had placed them in a strong position to succeed, and their dominant first-half performance demonstrated the quality within the group. However, the second half also showed how quickly momentum can change in knockout football and reinforced the importance of being clinical in both penalty areas.

Sammy described the result as “a tough one to take for the young group, but one with plenty to learn from as a team and as individuals.” Luca also highlighted the importance of responding together, explaining that Thursday’s meeting allowed the players to discuss what had happened and identify what they must do to put things right. Following the review, the scholars completed a light spinning session at Waterlane. Players also had access to the gym, sports hall and spa facilities to support their recovery.

The group returned to the pitch on Friday for a technical session with plenty of touches of the ball. The focus was on moving beyond the disappointment, rediscovering their rhythm and beginning preparations for next week’s league fixture against Wroxham.

Community Event Next Week

Next Friday, the scholars will take part in their first dedicated community initiative alongside Litter Free Lowestoft. The group will meet at Waterlane Leisure Centre at 2pm before completing a one-hour litter pick around the college and surrounding residential streets. Strengthening our community is one of the four core values of the Scholarship Programme. The event will give the players an opportunity to take pride in their local area, work together away from the football pitch and make a visible difference within the community they represent. We thank Litter Free Lowestoft for welcoming the scholars and helping to organise the activity.

More Scholars to Be Revealed

Further members of our inaugural Scholarship Programme will be officially announced next week. Keep an eye on the Lowestoft Town Scholars website and social media channels as we continue introducing the young players who will represent the programme throughout the 2026/27 season.

Next Fixture: Wroxham Away

Attention now returns to the National League U19 Alliance as the Young Blues travel to face Wroxham FC U19s on Wednesday. Wroxham are new to the division and represent the Access Sport Norwich programme, adding further interest to one of Lowestoft’s most local fixtures of the league season. The scholars began their campaign with an outstanding victory at Barking and will now aim to make it six points from six. The group will also be determined to produce a positive response following the disappointment of their FA Youth Cup exit.

Wroxham FC U19s vs Lowestoft Town U19s
Wednesday 23 September 2026
Kick-off: 2pm
Venue: FDC Bowthorpe, Norwich

A challenging week has provided important lessons for the group. The response begins now.