Young Terriers begin work on the ‘mid Fight Zone’
- Young Terriers stuck to principles despite result at Doncaster
- First test match for Under-17s to work on the mid fight zone
- Coach Jon Worthington pleased with his young side
Despite suffering defeat on Saturday in the Youth Alliance League, Under-17s coach Jon Worthington was more than pleased with how his side went about their game plan.
The Young Terriers returned to Doncaster Rovers for the second time in as many weeks, but this time faced an older Rovers side in the Under-18 competition.
On another day Worthy’s side could have taken the lead – midfielder Darnel Baxter-Alleyne had an early effort kept out by the woodwork – and for the majority of the first half Huddersfield looked in control as they focussed on pressing in the middle of the park.
Three clinical counter attacks from the home side however put them ahead, and Town held out until half time whilst still working towards their objectives.
Jon switched tactics after half time, resulting in a higher press and once again his side showed their quality to adapt during the fixture, and unfortunately conceded again late on after pushing for a goal of their own.
This didn’t faze Worthy, who felt his side had taken another step forward in their development.
“As daft as it sounds, I’m actually quite pleased!” he said.
“The objectives of the game were to work on the mid fight zone and that’s what we did – these matches are always about the learning.
“No doubt the players will be disappointed we lost the game - I am too - but the important thing is they have actually implemented something and done it well, so hopefully they’ll have come away from this match having done a lot of learning and feeling more confident for the future.
“We talked about resilience earlier in the week so to see the boys stick to their principles, our style of play and to the objectives we set out is pleasing.
“This is a big step forward; we’ve maintained all along that, as difficult as it is for people and as disappointing as some results can be, this is the foundation for the players’ understanding and learning the game in and out of possession, and today was a step closer to that.”
Worthy’s side originally had a Clarets Cup fixture scheduled for the coming Wednesday away to Preston North End, however due to players having international commitments it has been postponed until further notice.
This therefore means the Young Terriers will have a week to prepare for Grimsby Town’s visit to PPG Canalside in the Youth Alliance League, where focus will again be on the mid fight zone.
“We should have a good week with the midweek game now called off,” said Worthy. “We can continue working in and out of possession, and we will take the fight zones as the main focus into the next Saturday.”
Town's Under-19s are in action on Tuesday, hosting Tranmere Rovers in the Central League at PPG Canalside from 1pm. Fans are able to come and watch Dean Whitehead's Young Terriers free of charge, or alternatively you can keep up-to-date with updates over on the @htafcacademy Twitter account.
Town’s Under-17 team vs Doncaster Rovers (4-3-3)
Michael Roxburgh; Luke Daley, Loick Ayina, Josh Okpolokpo, Myles Bright; Taylor Annakin, Ben Midgley (c), Brahima Diarra; Darnel Baxter-Alleyne, Andre Edionhon (Josh Eke, 46’), Gulutte Zunda
Unused substitutes
Harrison Davison-Hale
Final Score
Doncaster Rovers 4-0 Huddersfield Town Under-17s