Young Terriers provided with brand new test against a non-league select side
- Young Town side draw with a non-league select team
- Game allows the youngsters to trial new systems
- Young Terriers had to adapt to different circumstances
A young Huddersfield Town side learnt a lot from its latest game against a non-league select side.
The Young Terriers were tested against a ‘select’ side made up of Under-23 players that are registered to either an EvoStik or NECL First Team in the game that took place at Ossett United’s Ingfield Stadium.
With Dean Whitehead’s Under-19s playing in Germany, and with the idea of providing the youngsters still at PPG Canalside with a new test, Leigh Bromby only named 11 players for the game as he challenged the group to adapt to the circumstances in front of them.
“We went to the game with 11 players to give the group a new experience and a new test.
“They had to manage their own bodies, deal with knocks and continue to battle for their teammates.
“Alongside this, the game provided us with a perfect opportunity to use a system that we haven’t had chance to work on a lot.
“We played in a 3-4-3 system, which allowed the youngsters to adapt to new roles and to learn about where they need to be, in a game situation, when we use different shapes.
“For example, one of our defenders, Tom Bamford, was playing on the left side of the back three, which was different for him. Iit was only a slight tweak, but he had to adapt from it. Ultimately, small changes like this will help give them a better understanding of the game.”
Over the course of the season, Town’s Under-19 side has competed against non-league men’s teams. A test the youngsters in the Terriers XI will have to get used to next season.
“This was a nice bridge for the Under-17s as it allowed them to have the physical test of playing against younger non-league players in a competitive game, instead of being thrown in at the deep against full-grown men,” explained Bromby.
“Whilst dealing with the physical stimulus, they tried to play with the same principles of playing forward and getting balls into the box and in-behind.
“It was a good test for them physically and competitively.”
That wasn’t the only new circumstance that the youngsters had to get used to.
“They also had to adapt to the new surroundings, playing in a Stadium, in front of a crowd and on a different type of pitch that they aren’t used to; it was a big learning curve for them,” admitted Town’s Academy Manager.
Two Town youngsters competed in the game – Harrison Davison-Hale and Mason O’Malley – following their work experience spells with Evo-Stik and NCEL sides.
“Alongside this being a good test for the youngsters, it also allowed us to strengthen our links with the local leagues and teams,” said Leigh.
“Whilst also showcasing some of the best young players that are competing at that level.
“We will definitely look at incorporating games like this in the future.”
Town’s Starting Line-up (4-3-3):
Giosue Bellagambi; Tom Bamford, Mohammed Diaby, Nassim Kherbouche; George Alfieri, Tom Bell, Tim Akinola, James Neild; Darnell Mintus, Kai Herbert, Andrew Ijiwole
Goals:
Darnell Mintus, Andrew Ijiwole
Final Score:
U23 Non-League Select 2-2 Huddersfield Town U17s
