In a match of few chances Town's under-18 side lost to their counterparts Blackburn Rovers by a single goal in the FA Premier Academy League at Storthes Hall last weekend.
Blackburn player Gearoid Morrissey scored the winning goal for the visitors from close range in the 50th minute but the young Terriers went close to equalising in the final stages. Midfielder Ryan Watson, who has been in a rich vein of scoring form in recent matches, broke past the Rovers defence in the final minutes but delayed his shot for too long, allowing an away defender to get back and pull off a saving tackle.
Town, who loaned Sunderland youth team goalkeeper Martin Hunter for the game, suffered a blow with just ten minutes of the game remaining when substitute Michael McCaffery was shown a red card for accumulating two yellows throughout the game.
Graham Mitchell's side host Bolton Wanderers in their next game on Saturday, kick-off 11am.
The academy have received a boost recently as first-year scholar James Spencer has returned to light training following the cruciate ligament injury he picked up during the FA Youth Cup game at Rochdale back in early November. The tall striker is set to be back to full fitness in time for the start of pre-season training.
Town's under-18 side vs. Blackburn:
Martin Hunter, Josh McLean (Shane Birtles 55), Liam Ridehalgh, Ryan Watson, Spencer Harris (c), Adam Field, Jack Hunt (Adam Bower 65), Chris Atkinson, Dave Heagney, Lewis Nightingale (Michael McCaffery 55), Aiden Chippendale
Unused Substitute: Lloyd Allinson
Contribute to the Town Academy and to Yorkshire Air Ambulance by visiting www.keepitup.org.uk!
