Academy Fixtures Report

Another great set of fixtures over the weekend for our young druids, including some matches against professional academies.

U9s

A great 6-3 win for our U9s against Oldham Athletic. Again a really valuable experience for the lads playing at a professional academy and they were excellent all day. We created plenty of chances with a lot of positives as well as areas to continue working on in training.

U11s

A tough game for the lads with the final score going to Oldham, 7-3. The first period of the game we didn’t get going unfortunately and conceded 4-5 quick goals. However in the second, we started to play our football and take control of the game but just couldn’t take our chances. In the final third, we came out the blocks pressing Oldham high up the pitch and started to battle for every ball and force them into errors, which led to our first goal. Following this, the lads were well on top of the game and scored 2 more. I feel if we had another 10 minutes we could have turned the game around however time ran out in the end. Despite the scoreline, a positive reaction from the lads after going behind and great experience.

U13s

Our 13s travelled to Llandudno over the weekend. A great performance from everyone, winning the match 8-2. The game started quite tight and we took time to settle but always looked threatening in attack. We had a few early chances and took the lead after 20 mins through Man of the Match Luke Plant who caused havoc on the left wing all day. Went in 3-0 up at half time and after one or two changes in personnel we took control of the game. Two quick goals from Theo Riley Spray virtually finished the match as a contest. Theo ended up with 4 goals added to by Joseph Pridding, Harri Edwards and Luke Plant (2). Special mention to Max Lis in goal who showed bravery in a lot of situations and showed his quality throughout. Very impressive again from a quality group of lads.

U14s

Our U14s also travelled to Llandudno. A very competitive game which the home side ended up winning 3-0. It was an evenly balanced first half which saw very few chances for either side but Llandudno did go in 1-0 up at half time after we got caught trying to play out from the back. We tweaked a few things at half time and started to completely dominate possession. We had Llandudno pinned back but just couldn’t quite find that killer instinct in and around their box. The boys had no luck either including a shove on Oli Large in the box being missed by the referee. Despite all of our possession, Llandudno caught us twice on the counter attack to seal the game 3-0. A tough result to take after a dominant second half performance, but lots of positives to take and things to work on for next week. MOM: Louis Brimfield – He pulled off some fantastic saves in the second half when we were chasing the game.

U15s

Another great experience for our U15s as they travelled to professional academy Stoke City. A high level game for the lads with the home side winning 3-0. It was 1-0 for the majority of the match at top facilities at Stoke. We had the better of chances throughout the game and were frustrated not to put one away. The lads played some lovely football at times and were a real threat on the break. We defended really well for large periods of the game, but conceded two late on. Cole Bagnal was impressive in midfield with work rate and passion. Malakia Tomas was superb at centre back, calm and composed on the ball and defended really well. Stoke City’s hospitality was first class. Lots of positives to take from the game against a very good team.

U16s

A great performance and result for our 16s on the weekend, winning 2-0. Our first clean sheet in 12 months, the lads showed a good attitude and togetherness throughout. We played some good attacking football and defended bravely when needed. Will Cooke scoring just before half time, racing through and chipping the keeper from 25 yards. We looked comfortable in the second half, and with 10 minutes to go, good hold up play from Will Cooke and Theo Williams hitting a half volley from 20 yards into the top corner. Very pleasing performance. Man of match was Charlie Neil (defended brilliantly along side Cody Edwards)

U19s

A disappointing result for our 19s at home to Llandudno. Just couldn’t get going in the first half with a lot of mistakes that Llandudno capitalised on. We went into half time 4-0 down. After the team talk at the break the performance of the second half was much improved and Druids created 12 chances to score but couldn’t put them away. This is one to put behind us and learn from as the first half was not acceptable. We look forward to a good competitive game vs Wrexham Youth in the FAW Youth Welsh Cup next weekend.

Overall a good set of fixtures for our academy sides who came up against a variety of professional and local opposition. Some great results and experiences that the lads will surely learn and improve on. We look forward to their next round of fixtures this weekend.

More than just a football club.