SPD Coach discusses the latest Under-21 win
- Frankie Bunn reviews U21 win at Bristol City- SPD Coach praises hard work of HTAFC's youngsters
- Bunn talks about the importance of set pieces
Town’s Senior Professional Development Coach Frankie Bunn praised the hard work of the Club’s young players after today’s 4-1 win at Bristol City.
Frankie’s team came away victorious thanks to goals from Rekeil Pyke – he’ll claim two, although the second may go down as an own goal – Fraser Horsfall and Lewis O’Brien.
Goalkeeper Lloyd Allinson saved a penalty with Town 1-0 ahead in the first-half, but could do nothing about City’s consolation goal; a bullet header in the final seconds of the game.
“We’ve played better this year (than we did today), but our set plays were very good; we scored from three of them,” Frankie explained to htafc.com.
“We were clinical today. We soaked up a bit of pressure and looked very threatening on the counter-attack.
“I don’t think Bristol really threatened us, although we conceded a penalty when we were a bit slow to react to a through-ball. Other than that, we didn’t have a problem until the final minute.”
Bunn was pleased to see his side utilise set pieces so effectively in the Bristol box, but was equally disappointed to concede from one late on; a detail he says could be vital at First Team level.
“Set pieces in both boxes are so important in any game of football, at any level.
“Unfortunately we conceded one as well in the final minute and although were 4-0 up at the time, we can’t be complacent or sloppy. Somebody letter a runner come off them from a corner and the boy has been spoken to, so I hope it won’t happen again.
“This is important detail. If you go up and the Head Coach asks you to do a job, you have to do it. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself out of the team.”
The win was a third in succession for Bunn’s side, which has recently featured Under-16 players Ryan Schofield and Jordan Williams alongside a raft of Under-18 scholars.
Frank continued: “The likes of Will Boyle going out on loan, a few boys not being offered new contracts and others being part of the First Team has given the younger boys the chance to show their abilities at Under-21 level. So far, they have done that; they don’t look out of place.
“I’m so pleased that the Club doesn’t take age into consideration. If the players are good enough, we will put them in; they’ll get the opportunity if they are playing well. It’s a great policy.”
The Terriers could claim the PDL2 North title on Thursday without kicking a ball if second placed Sheffield United loses at Crystal Palace, but Bunn and his young charges are taking nothing for granted with three games left to play.
“We’ve worked so hard all season and winning the league would be a great reward.
“However, nothing is being taken for granted; you have to earn everything you get. We’ll keep on going until the end.
“Sheffield United has stuck with us all the way through the season and I expect them to keep going as well, so it was important we put a little bit of pressure on them with today’s win. We mentioned that in our pre-match presentation and the players responded.”
Highlights of today’s game will appear on HTTV on Tuesday!
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