Academy makes winning start to the season
Town’s under-18 side made a winning start to the new FA Premier Academy League season at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday morning.
Professional Development Coaches Frankie Bunn and Tony Carss led the under-18 team on the day and Frankie took htafc.com through the game:
“They scored off a corner to go 1-0 up, but the lads showed great determination and a good attitude to get back in the game.
“We went 2-1 up after that; George Conway scored a volley after one of our throw-ins was only half cleared and then Duane Holmes netted a penalty. Kedesh Goddard broke from midfield and scored to make it 3-1, but then we had a nervous 10 minutes after being in charge of the game. We conceded off another set play, which is perhaps something we need to tighten up on. However, the lads saw the game out.
“There is a good spirit amongst the lads – and there should be as well, because they have worked hard together for six weeks in pre-season. The pre-season loss at Leeds was a wake-up call; it was a bit disappointing, but we bounced back against Crewe – this was a great result.
“This is just the start really. There is a lot of work to be done and we’re not taking anything for granted. The lads are being asked to play in a slightly different way; we’re playing out from the back when it’s on and make the right decisions. We have a new coaching staff and it is always going to take time to settle, but there were real signs of encouragement on Saturday.”
Town’s team (4-3-3):
Ed Wilczynski; Michael Starkey (Ryan Cox 70), William Boyle, Joe Wright, Tom Briggs; Kedesh Goddard, Ben Holmes, Duane Holmes; Jake Charles, Paul Mullan (Sean Collins 70), George Conway
Town's First Team hosts its first Championship game on Tuesday night when Nottingham Forest visit - get your ticket now by clicking HERE!
