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Goal Ace Finn Smith Is An FA Cup Record-Holder

Isle of Wight teenager, Finn Smith, admits he is still trying to come to terms with the fact he has re-written the record books in the world football’s most famous competition, the FA Cup. 

Exclusive interview by Peter White 

Finn, a pupil at Christ the King College, signed a contract to play for Newport FC on his 16th birthday. Just 24 hours later, he scored for the Wessex League club in their FA Cup extra qualifying round tie against Fleet Town. 

The young striker, who lives with his family in Brading, didn’t think too much about it at the time, but the FA Cup sent verification this weekend that he has become the youngest ever scorer in the competition’s 150-year history. 

He said:

“The day after I signed for Newport, I was on the subs’ bench for the game against Fleet. I was sent on as sub in the 80th minute, and I scored about six minutes later. It was only when we got back into the dressing room after the game that the rest of the lads started talking about it, wondering if I had broken the record. 

“Now the FA have confirmed that I am officially the competition’s youngest scorer, and I still don’t really know what to think about it. I’m still trying to take it in, but I’ve had a lot of messages of congratulations.” 

Finn said he has played football since he was just four years old, and initially played for Brading up to under 11 level, before moving to Newport. He added:

“I shall be going into the sixth form at Christ the King in September, and when I leave, I would like to work in sport in some way, but I shall have to see how things work out.”  

For the time being, record-breaker Finn is happy to soak up the adulation - and rightly so.   

 

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