Town Academy through to knockout stages
- Young Terriers progress as best runners-up
- Six points out of possible nine after Salford City defeat
- Comments from Academy Coach George Danaher
Huddersfield Town’s Young Terriers progressed to the knockout stages of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup, despite a 4-0 defeat to Salford City in their final qualifying game.
George Danaher’s side secured passage from the group stage with six points out of a possible nine, thanks to earlier wins over Tranmere Rovers and Harrogate Town.
Speaking after the match, Danaher was quick to give his thoughts on the game.
“I’m disappointed with the result, but pleased to qualify.
“Our qualification is down to the work that the boys have done previously in the competition.
“The cup games are always really beneficial for our programme.
“They offer the lads a new challenge where we put real demand on them to perform and display what it takes to win – that’s with the build-up, the game, and then the review.
He continued: “Salford City were good today.
“As we expected, they were really physical, quite direct, but they had quality with it. They were good at what they did.”
The Academy Coach went on to explain that despite the result, there was a lot that his side did well.
“They took on information really well.
“The pre-match meeting was all about playing forward and opposite movements with the attacking players – I think they handled that very well.
“Especially in the first half, there were some excellent moments.
“The challenge now is taking those chances.
“Through the game we had quite a few chances which we didn’t take.
“If we want to win football matches, we need to score goals.”
Danaher also discusses the importance of progressing to the knockout stages.
“It’s essential for our game programme.
“It adds different games to the programme and more challenges for the lads.
“The feeling of playing in a competition and being in knockout stages for a player is slightly different to what we’d normally do in the league, so it offers the lads a new experience, which is the aim of getting through.”
George Danaher’s side will be back in action next week, when they travel to face Blackpool FC in the FA Youth Cup. You can find out more by CLICKING HERE.
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