russialatic
Vital 1st Team Regular
In case you didn't spot it, we lost 1-0 tonight away at Luton in the EFL Youth Alliance Cup Final (u18s). I went along as its only 50miles for me.
Luton were the better side on the night. We might have nicked an equaliser late on but it would have been harsh on an impressive luton side.
This the 2nd year running we've lost in the final, whereas luton have won it in 2 of the last 3 years, and lost in the semis last year.
In terms of players, our side was made up of 6 x 2nd year apprentices and 4 x 1st years, plus Joe Gelhardt, an u16. To be honest, the best 2 of the 2nd years were the two who have been offered pro terms, golden at rb and perrin in goal who saved a pen. The other 4 have been released and didnt look good enough on this limited evidence. Malumo came on as a sub and looked decent, and on that evidence its perhaps harsh he's been released. OLFE pointed out he's been on trial at Coventry.
In terms of the other lads playing, the highlight was Gelhardt. He's now playing regularly for England u16s and looks a talent. He was a full year younger than anyone on the pitch and 2 years younger than most yet he looked our best player. He was cf first half but dropped to a number 10 role later on. Good touch, good strength, fairly mobile, decent awareness. Looks definite first team potential in a couple of years.
Will Mcguffie in central midfield also looked talented.
I was expecting a lot from Victor Maffeo but he played as a conventional left back and struggled. He looked like a winger playing as a defender. Baningime and Jolley were okay but didnt make a major impact.
Overall a good free outing though. And look out for Michael Shamalo at Luton. Must be 6'4 already, quick and quite skillful. Has the potential to make the big time on that limited viewing.
Luton were the better side on the night. We might have nicked an equaliser late on but it would have been harsh on an impressive luton side.
This the 2nd year running we've lost in the final, whereas luton have won it in 2 of the last 3 years, and lost in the semis last year.
In terms of players, our side was made up of 6 x 2nd year apprentices and 4 x 1st years, plus Joe Gelhardt, an u16. To be honest, the best 2 of the 2nd years were the two who have been offered pro terms, golden at rb and perrin in goal who saved a pen. The other 4 have been released and didnt look good enough on this limited evidence. Malumo came on as a sub and looked decent, and on that evidence its perhaps harsh he's been released. OLFE pointed out he's been on trial at Coventry.
In terms of the other lads playing, the highlight was Gelhardt. He's now playing regularly for England u16s and looks a talent. He was a full year younger than anyone on the pitch and 2 years younger than most yet he looked our best player. He was cf first half but dropped to a number 10 role later on. Good touch, good strength, fairly mobile, decent awareness. Looks definite first team potential in a couple of years.
Will Mcguffie in central midfield also looked talented.
I was expecting a lot from Victor Maffeo but he played as a conventional left back and struggled. He looked like a winger playing as a defender. Baningime and Jolley were okay but didnt make a major impact.
Overall a good free outing though. And look out for Michael Shamalo at Luton. Must be 6'4 already, quick and quite skillful. Has the potential to make the big time on that limited viewing.
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