Head of Academy, Shane Pallett, has given us his reaction to yesterday’s outstanding performances, as our U16s came away 9-1 winners over Bradford City Academy, while our U18s defeated Bilborough Town U18s 5-3.
Here’s what Shane had to say:
“I’m absolutely delighted with both of our squads this weekend. Pre-season requires matches with different challenges mentally, physically and technically. All the players are buying into what we are doing within the club and working hard especially for each other to ensure we achieve our goal”.
“Our trip to Bilborough Town showed the spirit within the 18s group. The boys took an early lead, but then conceding two very poor goals causing us to be 2-1 down. However, our lads quickly reacted and regained control of the game by creating lots of chances and moved into a 4-2 lead just before half time. The whole spirit of the squad was there for all to see as we lost our captain to a red card with over 20 minutes remaining. The lads showed their character by digging deep, defending deep, putting in last ditch defending blocks and soaking up lots of pressure from our opponents. But, it was more pleasing to see how we were able to counter attack our opponents, when we were in the hardest period of the game, and score to put the game to bed. It shows that the fitness levels are improving each week throughout the squad. We now turn our focus to games this week at Halifax Town and Basford Utd”.
“Our 16s squad showed a great reaction to a very disappointing result and performance last week at Thorncliffe. To produce a goal scoring display, like they did, against a newly formed Bradford City Development Squad was phenomenal. Scoring goals always builds team confidence and Nico [Ian Nicholson, Coach] and the squad have worked really hard this week on pressing the opponent out of possession, so I’ m sure the only negative to take out of this week will be the goal the lads conceded. The lads will now continue to build for midweek at Halifax Town and a trip over to Scarborough at the weekend to play, what will be, two very organised teams”.
“All the lads are getting some good minutes in to improve their fitness levels, working around different team shapes and individual roles, but they also know the quality that flows through the entire squad so the competition for places this season is going to be very tough”.
