Oran Thompson reviews Golcar United draw
- Oran Thompson on draw at Skye Direct Stadium
- Young Terriers took the lead
- Thompson pleased with game’s exposure for his side
Huddersfield Town Academy Coach Oran Thompson was pleased with his side's showing against an experienced Golcar United side in their 2-2 draw on Tuesday evening.
Town got off to a positive start as Donay O'Brien-Brady found the back of the net in the 24th minute putting the visitors ahead at the break.
Sonny Whittingham doubled Town's lead two minutes after half time but a strong second half performance from Golcar levelled the scores.
There were plenty of positives for the Young Terriers to take from the match, something which Thompson was quick to comment on.
"For some of the lads, it's the first time they've ever played in front of a crowd.
“There was a good number in today, which will have been a great experience for them.
"We like playing these sorts of games because it offers the players a different challenge, going from playing Under-17s football last season to playing against grown men – it's a completely different exposure for them.
"At this stage in their careers they're not always the strongest players, so they've got to find different ways to beat a team, especially off the ball."
Tuesday evening’s game was the Under-19s’ first pre-season friendly, and Thompson was pleased to see his side manage themselves throughout the 90 minutes.
"Getting as many of the players through an entire 90 minutes as possible is what pre-season is all about.
“We need to get those minutes in their legs before the start of the season, so it was very pleasing to see them handle it like they did.
"Tiredness probably played a part at the end, but with it being the first game of pre-season that's always going to happen.
“They will start to tire and the game will slow down, but it was a good test for their concentration levels."
Thompson hopes his side can increase their performance levels in training and consequently their upcoming games.
"I hope to see an increase in intensity next time out.
“We'll crank it up again in training and increase their fitness levels so they can maintain that level of performance throughout the entire game."
