Town under-18's impressive unbeaten start to the 2007/08 FA Premier Academy League season came to an end on Saturday with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Manchester United.
It was goalless at half-time despite the hosts having the better of the game, but Graham Mitchell's side were unfortunate to concede in what was a much-improved second-half display after an effective change of formation during the interval.
Town started in a 4-4-2 formation, with England under-19 'keeper Smithies protected by a back four of Dave Pickering, Spencer Harris, Daniel Codman and Liam Ridehalgh. In midfield, Luke Durham and Stephen Brook occupied the right and left wings respectively with Lewis Collinson and Lewis Nightingale operating in the centre. Up front, Daniel Broadbent was partnered by Danny Barlow.
Second-year scholar Shane Killock was absent as he traveled to Northampton with the first-team, whereas Tom Jackson and Curtis Roberts were rested after playing for the Reserves against Wolves in midweek. Strikers Oliver Templeton and Chris Pert were still recovering from injury.
The hosts had the better of the first-half, having a lot of possession without ever really troubling Smithies in the Town goal. Alex dealt well with the long shots and crosses that were thrown at him, but was not tested on the one clear-cut opportunity for United - a penalty that Jimmy Derbyshire blasted well over the bar.
Manager Graham Mitchell changed things around at half-time to try and get his side on the ball more, switching to a 4-3-3 shape and making two substitutions. The change worked and an even second-half ensued.
Despite this, the hosts scored what proved to be the winning goal midway through the second period. A quick throw-in from Joe Dudgeon caught Town napping and allowed Danny Welbeck to drill a ball across the box for right-winger Chris Curran to slam home at the far post.
Town never created a clear opportunity in the second-half, but striker Broadbent missed a couple of half-chances as the under-18s suffered their first defeat of the 07/08 season.
Graham Mitchell told htafc.com that he was pleased with his side's second-half display.
"Our performance in the second 45 was much better than in the first-half and it shows that we can compete with the Academies of leading Premier League Clubs.
"They had 6 England internationals in their side and they also have the ability to change around their side every week if they wanted to, but we kept the ball better than they did in the second half. We defended well throughout too, which was really pleasing."
Town's Team:
Alex Smithies, Dave Pickering (Leigh Franks 70), Liam Ridehalgh, Lewis Collinson, Spencer Harris, Daniel Codman, Luke Durham (Jack Hunt 46), Lewis Nightingale, Daniel Broadbent, Danny Barlow (Dave Heagney 46), Stephen Brook
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