FOOTBALL: TEENAGE striker Jordan Ponticelli bagged a brace to earn the Sky Blues a 2-0 victory over non-league Maidenhead United in the first round of the FA Cup.
Ponticelli struck past Maidenhead’s defence twice within 11 minutes as the Sky Blues comfortably earned their spot in the hat for the second round draw.
It was Ponticelli’s second consecutive start – and his first in the FA Cup – as he was able to get on the end of crosses from Jack Grimmer and Jodi Jones to calmly get his name on the scoresheet twice.
The 19-year-old was pleased with his performance and admitted it was a ‘relief’ the Sky Blues took the lead against the potentially awkward Maidenhead team.
He said: “It is always a great feeling to score.
“It was a relief we were ahead, it gave me the confidence to go on and get another.”
After making his first league start against Luton Town last weekend, during which the Sky Blues beat Luton Town 3-0, Ponticelli in the middle of a purple patch.
His first team success follows a positive season with the Under 18s last year, and he hopes to continue to good run of form as the season continues.
He said about his spot in the first team: “It is earlier than expected, but I think I have dealt with it well.
“I think it was a good time for me. We were struggling and not scoring as many goals as we liked and I have helped with that.
“The tempo of the first team is very different to Under 23s football, which i knew would be the case.
“Starting against the league leaders last week helped me bond with the team more on the pitch.”
