Useful game for several Under-19 players
- Much-changed Under-19 side plays Norwegian side Drammen FK
- Important minutes on the pitch for several Young Terriers
- Striker Kit Elliott nets penalty for Mark Hudson’s side
Several of Mark Hudson’s Under-19 players got important minutes on the pitch on Saturday morning in a game against an impressive touring side.
Although the Young Terriers were defeated by Norwegian visitors Drammen FK on the day, the game was useful for the likes of trialist goalkeeper Luka Nakov, defender Jake Barrett and striker Kit Elliott, who all needed minutes; the latter two after recent injuries.
Hudson’s youngsters lined up in a 3-4-3 formation on the afternoon against the impressive tourists, who took the lead through the first attack of the game inside just 35 seconds. Centre back Jordan Eli couldn’t quite cut out a ball forward and the deflection allowed the attacker to get in front of Mason O’Malley. He advanced on Nakov before placing the ball home.
There was plenty of possession for Hudson’s men, but it was the visitors who threatened again inside 10 minutes when a wide free-kick cannoned off the crossbar.
Nakov had to be alert later in the half to stop a near own-goal from Eli, ensuring it was Town that got on the scoresheet next.
Some good pressing from Town forced an error from the Drammen right back, allowing the Terriers to release winger Aaron Rowe into the box. The Londoner was brought down going past the last defender, allowing striker Elliott to step forward and dispatch the penalty.
Unfortunately, the game only stayed level for four minutes. The visitors retook the lead from a wide free-kick, with the Drammen players breaking Town’s high offside line and beating the goalkeeper at close range.
Town continued to enjoy lots of possession without creating a clear-cut chance, before being punished for an error in the final quarter of an hour. Romoney Crichlow-Noble gave up the ball on halfway and Drammen countered with clinical precision, with the right winger looping a shot over the goalkeeper and into the corner.
Town’s best effort of the second half came with five minutes remaining as forward Micah Obiero turned infield and curled a long-range effort into the hands of the visiting custodian.
Town’s team (3-4-3)
Luka Nakov (trialist); Jordan Eli (Romoney Crichlow-Noble, 63’), Harry Spratt (c), Jake Barrett; Mason O’Malley, George Danaher, Dahomey Raymond (Dom Tear, 67’), Sam Gibson; Aaron Rowe, Kit Elliott, Ben Mills (Micah Obiero, 77’)
Unused sub
Luke Mewitt
