ACADEMY UPDATE
A MIXED START TO THE SEASON FOR GARY McSHEFFREY'S U18s ROVERS U18S HAVE ONE WON AND LOST ONE OF THEIR OPENING LEAGUE GAMES THIS SEASON BUT HAVE SHOWN PLENTY OF POSITIVE SIGNS FOR THE SEASON AHEAD. The team started with a notable 3-2 away win against a strong Lincoln City side. Goals that morning came courtesy of Jack Goodman (2) and Corie Cole. However, it was then followed up with a 2-0 defeat at home to Grimsby Town. Against Lincoln the youth team had shown tenacity and flair with conviction in their attacks, but despite controlling the first half against The Mariners something did not click in the final third and led to an eventual loss with the visitors scoring either side of half-time. U18s manager Gary McSheffrey believes his sides lack of fitness contributed to the defeat as the side’s pre-season which was impacted by various players being forced to self-isolate in line with Government guidelines.
McSheffrey said: “Grimsby had technically gifted players who were comfortable on the ball. They had a good tempo and mixed their game up. “They physically bullied us and looked fitter. We know what we need to improve on. “We knew it was going to be a difficult game because they are a good team, but we did not lay a glove on them which was disappointing.” The U18s are without some of their more experienced attacking options and McSheffrey said he was looking forward to welcoming Tavonga Kuleya back to the squad after his absence while forward Ethan Harrison continues his recovery from a foot injury. He added: “We did not have enough attacking power on the bench to make an impact. Hopefully over the course of the coming weeks we can gain a few more experienced second year scholars back.” This morning the U18s hosted Bolton Wonderers in their opening game of the EFL Youth Cup. McSheffrey’s side are in a group with Mansfield Town and Oldham Athletic with games against those sides coming at the end of September and beginning of October respectively. To find out how the lads got on vs Bolton this morning you can check out our Twitter @DRFC_Academy with reaction from the match to follow throughout the weekend on our website.
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