Frankie Bunn proud despite defeat
Town’s Professional Development Coach Frankie Bunn was a proud man despite seeing his Under-18 side defeated 3-2 by Peterborough United on Tuesday.
The Under-18s are currently on a week-long pre-season trip at the Oakham Campus of Rutland County College and played the first of two games against the Posh yesterday afternoon, ahead of a second game against Northampton Town on Thursday.
Predominantly due to injuries, Bunn - alongside fellow Professional Development Coach Tony Carss - named a young side including several trialists and Under-16 players. Unfortunately they found themselves 3-0 down after an hour, but a late own goal and 85th strike from a trialist gave hope of a dramatic comeback that they couldn’t quite complete.
Bunn told htafc.com:
“Overall, I’m delighted.
“Peterborough were a very physical team. Barry Fry was watching and explained that two of their players had just returned from first team duty and they certainly had more of a physical presence than our young side.
“The boys eventually adapted well to the challenge. Even when three goals down, they stuck to our beliefs and continued to play passing football, which led to two pleasing late goals. I respect that their heads didn’t drop.
“It’s good that five Under-16 players have come with us, because it will give them experience and an insight into how we work with them.
“This week-long camp gives us a great opportunity to learn about all the players in terms of their habits and behaviours. They have been exemplary so far.”
Town’s team (4-2-3-1):
Sam Guthrie (Trialist 46); Mikey Starkey (Adam Porritt 80), Joe Wilkinson, Fraser Horsfall, Bradley Carroll; Philip Billing, Danny Kane; Regan Booty, Trialist (Rekeil Pyke 75), Jack Boyle; Rekeil Pyke (trialist 50)
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