SPD Coach reviews the stalemate with Leeds United
- Frankie Bunn discusses Under-21 draw with Leeds Utd
- HTAFC Coach disappointed by first half performance
- Bunn praises Jacob Hanson’s display
Huddersfield Town’s Senior Professional Development Coach Frankie Bunn saw room for improvement in his Under-21 side after this afternoon’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United at PPG Canalside.
Town’s youngsters went ahead twice, firstly through Jacob Hanson and then through Duane Holmes in the second-half. However, Town was pegged back immediately by the Yorkshire rivals, leaving Bunn wanting more after the final whistle.
Frankie explained: “I’m disappointed today, especially with the first-half performance. I thought we were off it in every department; our passing, our intensity with and without the ball and winning tackles.
“We were second best all over the pitch in the first-half, but we at least showed little bit more desire in the second-half and improved.
“Leeds were quite strong and we struggled to get a grasp on the game, get our foot on the ball and pass it. The players have got to come through those periods. We were second best in the first-half and that shouldn’t be.
“Today was a totally different game than our win at Bolton last week. It’s a local derby and I think Leeds bullied us a little bit in the first-half.”
Town’s Under-21s line-up included four Under-18 Academy scholars and he believes the youngsters will get stronger over time.
“They’ve been in and around it before so they weren’t under any real pressure, but I think we struggled to cope with the physicality of Leeds,” Frank continued.
“The youngsters should improve with the fitness coaches and gym work; they will get stronger. We never use age as an excuse.
“If we think they are good enough they will play regardless but like I keep saying I was very disappointed with that first-half performance.”
Town’s first half goalscorer Jacob Hanson was Town’s stand-out performer in the draw and put Town ahead after sweeping home a cross from Rekeil Pyke. Frankie believes he’s seen the best out of the young defender over the last few weeks.
“Jacob has had his ups and downs this year, but in the last three or four games he’s been back to something like his best. It’s pleasing to see him score, but equally to see the way he defended. The way he defended was very good.”
Town’s U21s are still waiting to see who they will face in the semi-finals of the U21 Premier League Cup. Their opponents will be decided tomorrow night as Millwall take on Hull City – and Frankie will be there to watch!
He concluded: “It doesn’t really matter who we get; we’re in the last four. We’ve got one more obstacle to overcome to reach the final and we will enjoy going to see the game tomorrow.”
