Nuneaton Town FC’s Youth Team kicked off their preseason campaign on
Saturday afternoon with a hard fought 2-2 draw against Adult league opposition
in the form of Coventry Alliance Premier outfit Witherley Utd FC.
Fielding a squad made up of entirely of U17 1st year players
and trialists, including 4 players not yet 16 years old, and under the on-pitch
leadership of 2nd year Team Captain Luke Taylor, the town boys
worked hard against a strong and technically able Witherley outfit, and thoroughly
deserved to leave without defeat.
The opening exchanges were even, with both sides fashioning chances,
although Nuneaton had to rely on new ‘keeper Joe Salisbury who made 3 decent
saves early on to keep the scores level. After losing Sam Cotterill and Tom
Hughes, both to knee injuries, Nuneaton snatched the lead when Jordan Hindhaugh
ran through and poked home, despite only having 10 players on the pitch at the
time.
Witherley regrouped and took the lead with goals either side of half time
from Alan Miller and Matty Smith, but the Town boys fought back and a sublime
through ball by Sam Carter found Jordan Hindhaugh on the left wing, and his cut
back was swept home by Daniel Creaney at the far post.
The heat and the pitch size took its toll in the final 15 mins as the game
slowed, with a draw a fitting and hard earned result.
Head of Youth Football Ben Pateman heaped praise on the young side after
the game;
“The boys showed tremendous desire
throughout the 90mins, against physical, quick and skilful adults. We are only
4 training sessions into preseason, and towards the end the fitness issue
started to kick in, and against a full adult side we could have left players
and gaps and caved in. But we didn’t and in the end the lads got at least what
they deserved. The trialists did well and are now looking forward to the
Stourbridge game on Thursday 29th night when we’ll introduce the
second year boys for their first run out. Then we’ll see exactly where we are
with the squad and the shape we want to have for the season.”
Team: Salisbury, Shannon, Turner, Hughes, Cotterill, Stewart, Gandy,
Taylor (c), Coates-Jarmin, Hindhaugh, Slater.
Subs: Wilson (for Hindhaugh); Carter (for Cotterill); Creaney (for
Gandy); Brown (for Hughes)
The youth teams next preseason outing is at The Triton Showers Community
Arena on Thursday 29 July against last season’s top boys Stourbridge FC,
Kick-Off at 7.30pm, before a second home tie against Sutton Coldfield Town FC on
Thursday 5 August, KO @ 7.00pm.
Admission to Youth Team Games is £2 on the gate. Admittance to Season
Ticket Holders is Free.