Our Academy played their way into the history books after they beat Langley FC 3-2 in the FA Youth Cup First Round proper tie at Crabble on Tuesday evening.

Archie Hatcher, Leo Dodds, and Joel-Michael Oderian scored the goals which saw the team become the first one to reach the Second Round for the first time in the 12-year history of the Academy.

Manager Mike Sandmann’s team will now head to Suffolk to play Lowestoft Town in the Second Round.

Lowestoft beat Concord Rangers 4-3 on penalties last week after it finished 1-1 after extra time.

Not surprisingly, Sandmann was full of praise for his talented youngsters.

He said: “What a great achievement and what a fantastic performance – I couldn’t be prouder of the players.

“Langley played their part and were a good side with some very good individuals and we knew that coming into the game.

“We watched them in the build-up to the game and thought we performed well on the night limiting their creative players

“We showed great character after missing the penalty and the players didn’t allow it to affect them, which is important.

“I felt we could have been in front by more at half-time but you have to give Langley credit for making it difficult.

“Heading into the final 10 minutes with only a one-goal lead was always going to be nervy, but I thought we limited them to very few chances and defended well as a team.

“As the manager, I’m always going to be looking to improve, but I don’t want to take anything away from the players – they were excellent and have made history getting to this stage, and let’s see where it takes us.

” I would also like to thank the fans who came to watch, so thank you so very much for your ongoing support of the Academy lads – they do really appreciate it.”