6th November, 2000
Three goals from Marconi (Coventry) FC's Matthew Lewis helped the Birmingham County Youth team continue their bid to retain their prestigious FA County Youth Cup crown.
After early pressure, Birmingham made the breakthrough on 15 minutes with Lewis picking up his first after wrong-footing the Northumberland goalkeeper. Further pressure from Lewis and Sutton Coldfield's Andy Cameron kept Mark Whitley busy throughout the first half, with the Northerners growing in confidence but seeing their own efforts well saved by Birmingham's Elliot Richards.
Emerging with new determination, Northumberland equalised within the first minute of the second half, and just 5 minutes later won a contentious throw in which found the net via the head of Jason Bates.
Chris Woodall's fresh legs kept the Birmingham attack hopeful, and the side were rewarded with their own equaliser from a Gareth Picknell volley with 72 minutes on the clock.
Then, up stepped Lewis who produced two stunning goals - a low drive from 18 yards out on 75 minutes and a fantastic solo run on 81 minutes - completing his hattrick and taking Birmingham to the third round of the competition.
"We brought Matthew [Lewis] into the squad because we knew what a great talent he was, and he certainly proved that," said Birmingham Spokesman, Steve Poole. "But you have to give the whole team credit for never giving up on this game - they dug deep and showed just what they are capable of against such tough opposition."
Birmingham have been drawn at home for their third round tie at Ray Hall Lane on 9th December but will have to wait to see who their opponents will be after the tie between East Riding and Cheshire had to be postponed this weekend.