Graham Mitchell's under-18 side came through their toughest game of the season so far at Sheffield United with a 1-0 win on Saturday morning thanks to a late penalty from defender Spencer Harris.
The centre-back capped off a good performance with the only goal of the game from the spot after striker Daniel Broadbent was brought down by the Sheffield 'keeper following an excellent through-ball from substitute Luke Durham.
Town lined up 4-4-2 at the start of the game, with on-loan goalkeeper Aaron Jameson standing in for the absent Alex Smithies who was on first-team duty at Walsall. Incidentally, Sheffield Wednesday's Jameson also covered for Smithies when he was away with England in Korea for the under-17 World Cup when he recorded a string of clean sheets.
The defence consisted of, from left to right; Tom Jackson, Leigh Franks, Spencer Harris and Dave Pickering. Curtis Roberts and Liam Ridehalgh occupied the right and left wings respectively, with Luke Williams and Lewis Collinson in the centre. Up front, Daniel Broadbent and Dave Heagney led the line.
Along with Smithies, defender Shane Killock also missed out as he traveled with the first-team squad to the Midlands. Fellow defender Daniel Codman was absent due to an ankle injury and midfielder Stephen Brook due to a knock on the shin sustained during last weekend's defeat at Storthes Hall against Derby County.
The home side, managed by former Town midfielder Scott Sellars and unbeaten in three prior to this game, had much the better of the opening 45 minutes but a switch to 4-3-3 during the interval paid dividends for Mitchell's side who went on to shade the second period - creating the best chances of the game in the process. However, it wasn't until Harris' 90th minute penalty that the deadlock was broken.
Former Town centre-back Mitchell was very happy with the win and the performance.
"It was a very tough game for us and I think that Sheffield United are the best team we have faced so far this season," Graham admitted to htafc.com.
"They were very strong and physical with us and they definitely had the better of the first-half, but we changed things around for the second and I think that we deserved the win as we created the better chances overall."
The Academy side now plays local rivals Leeds United at Storthes Hall this weekend in an 11am kick-off; check htafc.com on Saturday for the result.
Town's Team:
Aaron Jameson, Dave Pickering, Tom Jackson, Luke Williams (Lewis Nightingale 46), Leigh Franks, Spencer Harris, Curtis Roberts (Jack Hunt 58), Lewis Collinson, Daniel Broadbent, Dave Heagney, Liam Ridehalgh (Luke Durham 46)
Unused Subs: Danny Barlow, Chris Pert
Under-18 boss Graham Mitchell features in the '100 Fans' Favourites' book, which details your favourite players from Town's history - click HERE for more information.
