EXTRA-TIME stamina and stealth sealed York Schoolboys’ Under-15s surge into uncharted territory.

The York teenage titans overpowered their Cambridge counterparts 2-1 in extra time to advance to the English Schools’ FA national quarter-finals for the first time.

And as an added bonus, they have secured a home tie on February 7 against either Thameside or Stockport.

In front of a large crowd at Pocklington Town FC, the tie started at a frantic pace.

Fraser Papprill and Jules Gabbiadini were working the Cambridge defence well, while the midfield duo of Jacob McCormick and Jacob Gore looked solid and widemen Ben Lock and Josh Luckhurst industrious.

The impressive partnership at centre-half of man-of-the-match Jordan Holt and Charlie Hirst thwarted Cambridge attacks supported by Matty Yeoman and Tom Kite, while in goal Peter Lawrie pulled off important saves.

As the first half seemed to be heading for a blank, Gore dispossessed a Cambridge midfielder and passed to Papprill at the edge of the box. He teased in McCormick who played the ball for Gabbiadini to smash the ball home.

However, with only minutes to half- time poor York defending resulted in a two-footed challenge that yielded a penalty for Cambridge.

The spot-kick was smashed home to the delight of the travelling supporters.

York thought they had restored their lead when Gore combined with McCormick for Gabbiadini to drill the ball in. But celebrations were cut short as the flag was raised for offside.

Shortly after Lawrie produced a great double save following a rare mistake in the York defence.

In the last quarter, York nearly took the lead as substitute Jordan Annette was brought down and as the Cambridge keeper came running out to remonstrate Gabbiadini tried a cheeky lob but unfortunately it fell wide.

Annette, Callum Ward, Callum Annette and Jonny Sellars added a new spark to the York side with Ward dragging a late effort just wide.

The game then went into extra time, where York looked the stronger side.

York pressed for the winner and the opening came following a great run by McCormick.

The ball was played into Papprill to fire home and spark mass celebrations from the York players and supporters.

Said manager Matt Gore: “This is a fantastic achievement for York and especially for the boys themselves.

“No other York team has ever been in the quarter-final and to be in the last eight from over 350 teams is testament to the great ability and team spirit among the boys.

“The boys and management would also like to thank the fans for their great support.”