Trueman hails 'massive achievement' of reaching youth cup final

Town beat Hastings 3-1 in yesterday’s semi-final with goals from James Sunderland, Ousman Cham and Eliel Anku.

Trueman said: “It’s a massive achievement. I knew we would have a good year because the lads have got a bit more experience under their belts having played in the FA Youth Cup last season and winning the league.

“The lads performed well, we had a game-plan and we stuck to it.

“We knew they would try to play out from the back, so we looked to press them and that’s where we got our first goal from.

“That settled us down. Hastings were always a threat going forward, especially from set-pieces, but we saw the game out well and put in a solid, professional performance.”

Halifax will now face Chester in the final in Walsall on May 16.

“Chester have got a good youth set-up, and they’ve won their league this season.

“They beat Boreham Wood in their semi-final, who are a strong team, so it’ll be a tough game.

“We know a bit about them already but we’ll plan and prepare for it.”

The Shaymen are next in action on Wednesday, April 18 when they host Gateshead.

Halifax are third in the National League u19 Alliance Division J - which they won last season - level on points with Guiseley and South Shields having played a game more.