Facing our second senior opposition in the pre-season programme – beaten 4-1 by Peterborough United at the weekend – our youngsters were evenly matched with the Boro in the opening 45 minutes.
However, unable to capitalise on our opportunities in the first period followed by moments of lapses in concentration after the restart allowed the home side to race into a three-goal lead with Jada Deane netting a hat-trick.
Once again, coach Matt Sharman named a mixture of our Under-19s players alongside a number of our Under-16s also stepping up to face a senior side for the first time.
Despite the final result, it was nevertheless another key 90 minutes of action as focus now turns to the start of our Professional Game Academy League campaign in just under a weeks’ time.
Speaking after the match, Matt said: “Overall, the game gave us one last valuable opportunity to get players minutes under their belts against another senior opponent before we begin our season next week against Southampton.
“We created some good opportunities throughout the match but were unable to convert them. There were also periods where we controlled the game well and showed some good moments both in possession and without the ball. However, in the second half, we gifted them three goals which ultimately made the scoreline difficult to recover from. There are plenty of positives to take especially the togetherness within the team.
“Pre-season has been really valuable for me. I’ve been able to get to know all of my players and begin to establish a culture that will provide a strong foundation going forward. Each opponent we have faced during pre-season has given us different pictures and challenges to look at, and I believe this will prepare us well for the season ahead.
“I’ve also really enjoyed seeing several U16 players take their opportunities within the U19 setting and make the most of them. We’re really looking forward to getting the season started next week. We know we’ll need every player in our squad to be the best version of themselves, both on and off the pitch, and we’re excited to get going.”