Whitehead reflects on Saturday’s game against Mansfield Town

- U17s faced Mansfield Town on Saturday 10 November
- Whitehead shares verdict on side’s performance
- Coach starting to see progression of his players

Huddersfield Town’s Under-17 side faced Mansfield Town in the Youth Alliance League on Saturday 10 November 2018.

The game challenged Dean Whitehead’s side to another physical test; a challenge they’ve become accustomed to when facing players from an older age group on a frequent basis.

“We went through their style in the days leading up to the game and prepared for a match where we expected the long ball and a real battle for second balls.” said U17s Coach, Dean Whitehead.

“I feel like we dealt with it well but was sloppy in possession at times.”

“We then conceded the early goal, but the lads dug in and stuck in there battling for the first and second balls and I think we certainly improved in the second-half.”

That early goal proved to be enough to secure the 1-0 win for Mansfield, but Whitehead was able to take positives from the encounter upon reflection.

“It goes to show how far the lads have come, perhaps two or three months ago they may have folded in this sort of game and conceded three or four.

“The lads did the dirty side of the game well but wasn’t so good in possession. This inconsistency can happen at this age, but all in all they stood up well physically when they might not have done previously.”

“In the long run, it will benefit them against physical teams. Teams are bigger and stronger and that’s to be expected.

“The team are starting to gain a better understanding the ‘Terriers Identity’ about how we want to play. You are starting to see the players are really starting to understand where they need to be to cause the other team problems both in and out of possession.”

Next up for the Under-17s is another game in the Youth Alliance League against Scunthorpe United this coming Saturday 17 November 2018.

Result:
Mansfield Town U18s 1-0 Huddersfield Town U17s

Town’s Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Giosue Bellagambi; Sam Sharrock-Peplow (Andrew Ijiwole, 39’), Tom Bamford (David Mayamona, 63’), Mustapha Olagunju, Mohammed Diaby (Taylor Annakin, 63’); Seth Meeson, Tom Bell (c); Jaheim Headley, Josh Austerfield, Darnell Mintus; Kian Harratt

Unused Subs:
George Alfieri, Remi Thompson, Thomas Chaibi