Notts County U18 vs Huddersfield Town U18 on 20 Feb 21 - Match Centre

Youngster speaks ahead of Saturday’s game against Notts County

- Defender Neo Eccleston speaks to htafc.com
- Young Terrier makes his come back from injury
- Town’s Under-17s face Notts County on Saturday (20 February 2021)

Huddersfield Town Under-17s defender Neo Eccleston is glad to be back on the pitch following an injury layoff for a fractured knee.

The youngster was part of the Club’s summer 2020 intake, joining from Chelsea to link up with the Academy’s Under-17 side. He commented on how happy he is to be continuing his recovery back on the pitch having played in the Under-17s’ most recent game against Grimsby Town.

“It was great to be back out there, it felt good.

“Thankfully it didn’t feel that different than my last game, it felt normal being back,

“The only thing was that I had some slight quad tightness, but other than that, it was good.”

The 17-year-old was quick to discuss what he’s learnt in his time at Town so far.

“I’ve learnt a lot.

“I’ve learnt a lot of different styles of play.

“Playing against different oppositions week in and week out, you see that some like to hit it long while others like to play it short, so you have to get used to that.

“I’ve had to get used to players being more physical and rougher and now we play men’s teams as well, so I’m getting used to playing older players.”

The defender also spoke about his aims for the rest of the 2020/21 season now that he’s back.

“Game wise, I want to work on my weaker foot passing and my types of crosses.

“I’m a right-back, but I do like playing on the wing, so I want to focus on attacking and getting more skill.

“Overall, I want to get my head down, get more wins, play better and stay out of the injury room!”

Neo and his Under-17 teammates will be back in action on Saturday 20 February 2021 when they travel to take on Notts County.

You can keep up to date with all things Huddersfield Town Academy on their official Twitter page; @htafcacademy.

Young Terriers finished create phase against Notts County

- Huddersfield Town U17s faced Notts County
- Young Terriers round off work on the create phase
- Evander Grubb on the scoresheet

Huddersfield Town U17s finished off their work on the create phase as they went up against Notts County on Saturday morning.

Town began the game well and showed signs of what they’ve been working on in training as right-back Brodie Spencer got forward and crossed from the touchline, but Conor Falls could only find the crossbar with his header.

Another chance came for the Young Terriers with the ball finding its way to Donay O’Brien-Brady, but unfortunately his goal-bound effort was blocked.

However, it was the home side who took the lead as an effort from one of the Notts County forwards found the top corner.

Town reacted instantly when Brahima Diarra picked the ball up in midfield and picked out Evander Grubb, who raced through on goal and slotted the ball into the corner.

Notts County did find themselves ahead at the break despite Town’s best efforts as a wide free kick went across the box and into the far corner.

The second half started how the first ended with the home side putting pressure on and three quick-fire goals put the hosts 5-1 up.

Despite the score line, the Young Terriers continued to work hard and create more opportunities, but unfortunately Falls’ ball hit the crossbar for the second time.

Coach George Danaher was happy seeing his side put into practice what they’ve been working on in training.

“I thought it was good, the collective performance was excellent.

“In terms of what we have been working on in training, and especially what we have been working on from the Grimsby game, we showed that well and we created loads of chances.

“In training we have been working on the fullbacks attacking and that was evident today.

“In terms of the create phase, I think that was one of the most pleasing games to watch. We created loads of chances, had loads of opportunities in front of goal, so I was really pleased with that.

“What the boys have taken from training into that game was excellent.

“It really showed how much work we’ve done on the create phase. From next week we’ll be working on the finish, so hopefully finishing them chances off.

Huddersfield Town Under-17s Team (4-3-3)

Michael Roxburgh; Donay O’Brien-Brady, Loick Ayina (Neo Eccleston, 55’), Josh Okpolokpo (c), Brodie Spencer; Sonny Whittingham (Robson Shipley, 55’), Ernaldo Krasniqi, Etienne Camara (Dylan Helliwell, 55’); Conor Falls, Brahima Diarra (Cian Philpott, 55’), Evander Grubb

Final Score

Notts County 5-1 Huddersfield Town Under-17s

Huddersfield Town

U17s: NEO ECCLESTON HAPPY TO BE BACK ON THE PITCH

UNDER-17s ROUND OFF WORK ON CREATE PHASE