Academy Manager Leigh Bromby delighted with showing

- Under-17s begin 'Clarets Cup' campaign
- Young Terriers put in best performance of the season
- Leigh Bromby praises players for their endeavour

Town’s Under-17 side began their Clarets Cup campaign on a high on Tuesday afternoon, winning their opening game at tournament host Burnley.

Challenged to utilise everything they’ve worked on in training to perform in a game, Leigh Bromby’s youngsters stepped up to the mark against the Clarets, taking a three-goal lead thanks to a brace from striker Kian Harratt (pictured above) and a superb effort from midfielder Jaheim Headley.

Academy Manager Leigh Bromby was delighted with his young charges, explaining:

“This is the first time that we’ve asked the Under-17s to piece everything together that they’ve learned in training so far and put it together in a single performance to win a game.

“Previously we’ve been working on something specific in training in the week and tried to apply it that in that weekend’s game, but their challenge today was on performing and getting a result.

“We’ve chosen this competition to focus on results because they are playing against fellow Under-17s. We feel it’s a good barometer to see their progress. The focus in Clarets Cup games will continue to be performances and results, whereas development is the major focus otherwise. It’s good that the games’ programme gives the players both.

“I’m really pleased for the players. They’ve worked hard and stuck to the plan in the face of some challenging results, which is impressive for a group of 16-year-olds. They deserve the winning feeling today.”

Today’s 3-1 win puts Town on top of the embryonic Clarets Cup table, with four more group stage games to come against Preston North End, Wigan Athletic, Fleetwood Town and Salford City.

The top four teams will progress to the semi-finals, with the final to be played before Christmas 2018.

The Under-17s are back in Youth Alliance action on Saturday with a game at PPG Canalside against Notts County; 11.30am kick-off.

Town’s team (4-2-3-1)
Giosue Bellagambi; Sam Sharrock-Peplow, Mustapha Olagunju, Tom Bamford (c) (Nassim Kherbouche, 70’), Mohammed Diaby; Taylor Annakin, Tom Bell (Seth Meeson, 80’); Jaheim Headley, Josh Austerfield, Andrew Ijiwole (George Alfieri, 75’); Kian Harratt (Darnell Mintus, 75’)

Unused sub
Remi Thompson

Final score
Burnley 1-3 Huddersfield Town U17s

Goals
Kian Harratt 2; Jaheim Headley