Town’s youth team produced a dramatic late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw away at Stockport County in their opening PDL Cup group fixture on Saturday.
Town found themselves two goals behind in the second half but refused to give up, with a late header from Sharp setting up a grandstand finish before Kristian Catchpole’s stunning stoppage-time strike completed the comeback.
The Mariners had opportunities to take the lead before the break, with Sharp going closest after being sent through on goal, only for the Stockport goalkeeper to make a good save to deny him.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when a cross into the box found an unmarked Stockport player, who headed home from close range.
Stockport doubled their advantage soon afterwards, converting from the penalty spot to put themselves in a commanding position.
Despite the setback, Town continued to battle and were rewarded for their persistence with two minutes of normal time remaining.
Fortune Jack produced a fine ball into the area, picking out Sharp, who rose highest to head beyond the goalkeeper and give the Mariners hope of rescuing something from the game.
Town continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, and their persistence was finally rewarded deep into added time.
A long throw was sent into the Stockport penalty area and, after the hosts failed to clear the danger fully, the ball fell to Catchpole on the edge of the box.
The midfielder made no mistake, smashing a superb effort into the top corner to spark jubilant celebrations and complete a remarkable late comeback.
The result earns Town a valuable point from their opening PDL Cup group fixture and provides plenty of encouragement after showing excellent character to fight back from two goals down.
Town: Joe Roberts, Malaki Golding, Tyler Pratt, Kristian Catchpole, James Binks, Josh Edwards (C), Curtis Manyika, Henry Chisholm, Ted Sharp, Noah Hutton, Lennon Peterson
Subs: Fortune Jack, Rhys Hall, Darius Neagu, Harry Garthwaite
UTM
