Pic: Andy Ford/Burnley FC
STUART SEARLE expects keeper Kallum Lunn to enjoy a successful career in the game after his heroics helped Met Police pull off a stunning FA Youth Cup shock.
The Met, who had already beaten Football League competition in the shape of Yeovil Town, faced a daunting trip to Turf Moor and Championship club Burnley in the third round last Monday.
The Ryman Premier side’s kids did themselves proud and then some – coming from behind twice thanks to Luke Brant and Ben Marett to force a penalty shoot-out.
Their previous two victories in the Cup came via shoot-out wins against Yeovil and Dulwich Hamlet and keeper Lunn stepped up again to be the Met’s hero, saving from Mark Howarth and Burnley skipper Shaun Hobson to claim a famous 6-5 win.
Searle – a keeper himself who retired after playing for Met Police last season – understandably couldn’t have been prouder of his side, who travel to Wolves in the fourth round.
“The fact we are getting so much coverage shows what a great achievement it is for us,” said Searle, who works as a goalkeeper coach in Chelsea’s academy and for the Blues’ ladies team.
“There should have been a vast gap between the sides – they used players who had U21s experience and three or four had played international football.
“Before this season we’d never won a penalty shoot-out so that first one against Dulwich was key for us.
“As a goalkeeper I’m always a bit more critical of keepers than most but Kallum was outstanding throughout. He’s growing in confidence and has a bright future ahead of him if he keeps wanting to work hard and progress.
“We’ve had a youth team for seven years now and I’ve been here since day dot. Through a lot of hard work, endeavour and togetherness from both staff and players we’ve achieved good things.”
