Reflections on the season so far (Under 18s)

With the Festive/New Year period now out of the way and focus shifting towards the second part of the season, it seems an appropriate time to reflect on what's happened so far this term in the Football League Youth Alliance for Doncaster Rovers - including the good, the bad, the ugly, where things have gone wrong and where improvement is needed.

I've watched all but one of the league matches (that being Burton Albion away) and some of the cup clashes. Although each match is different and throws up multiple scenarios which have different outcomes every time, as a result of seeing the team play so frequently, their individual performances pretty much blend into one - which helps with a blog post like this!

On the whole, it's largely been a pleasure watching the lads.

They've played some good football, worked hard in the majority of games, demonstrated their ability quite well and there's plenty of talent/potential that's been on show. The season hasn't been without it's ups and downs and some weak/poor performances along the way, but on the whole - yeah, things have been okay!

Having accumulated 23 points from 13 games, it meant they were top of the table on Christmas Day; a mini-achievement which deserves praise. Yes, they'd played more games than other title contenders, however, the lads did their jobs and got more points in the bag than their counterparts so therefore earned that 'bragging right' (if you can describe it as such).

Whether they'll go on to win the league is an entirely different matter altogether considering a few other teams have a superior points per game average AND also have games in hand. If Scunthorpe United (probably the title favourites, if we're being honest) or Mansfield Town do their jobs and win their games, there isn't anything the lads will be able to do about it. Theoretically, in a worst-case scenario Scunthorpe could open up an eight-point lead once all teams are level on games played - and at that point it'd be a tall order to win the league.

Therefore, all the lads can do in their remaining seven remaining games is take each one as it comes, try to perform to the highest possible standard (both individually and collectively), and get the result one game at a time. That way pressure will simultaneously be applied on others around them in the division to win their games.

The lads aren't title favourites, despite their league position, so basically; my own message (in terms of title hopes) is focus on yourselves, one game at a time, and don't become concerned in the slightest by what happens elsewhere as it's entirely uncontrollable. A title challenge won't even happen unless form is decent between now and the end of the season.

Whilst results are an important aspect, given this level of football is primarily about development, performances - both individually and collectively are more important.

In that respect, it's been a mixed season thus far, performance-wise, as a team.

A really high benchmark was set on the opening day when Grimsby were totally outplayed in a 4-1 success - it was as close to a 'perfect' performance as you could imagine. One week later, the team's potential was underpinned by another strong showing in a 1-0 win at Notts County; a game which was a bigger test of character as the lads were under pressure, hanging on towards the end and were required to show resilience to get the result in tricky weather conditions, too.

For me, these performances still rank as the best so far this season in terms of a complete full-game showings. The 3-1 cup win over Rotherham United (23rd August) was also a good performance - as was the 3-0 success at Bradford City (23rd November).

Largely, however, since the opening month of the campaign it's been good (in elements) but consistency hasn't always been there; the best example of this being the two completely contrasting halves in the away win at Scunthorpe (27th September).

Whether the indifference is directly down to the absences of Ethan Bojang (who had a notable influence prior to his injury) AND Lirak Hasani (who has frequently been in/out of the team, also due to injury) is a genuine theory that I have. If just one of those two are out injured, there's probably enough in the squad to get away with it, but when both are out injured; as has sometimes been the case, it's had a knock-on effect in terms of personnel, shape, formation and overall balance.

One aspect that's been 'up and down' as the season has progressed is the communication/talking on the pitch. It has improved over time because in some early-season games; particularly the 0-1 defeat to Mansfield, it was far too quiet on the pitch. That said, even though it's improved, it could still be better. With seven games left, probably one or two outfield first-year players now have to 'step up' in this respect ahead of next season when they're going to be the older, experienced heads who the new crop will look up to. In some ways, there's still a vacancy for a big character/personality that needs to emerge and will be the leader going forward.

Strangely, in terms of games, 17 of them have already been played with seven more scheduled between now and the end of the season. It equates to around 70% of the season having already been completed so time is of the essence, now more than ever, for every player to make as much of an impact as they possibly can in order to achieve personal/collective goals.

Below are my articulated thoughts on how I think the season has gone for all 18 of the lads. It's just my opinion and I hope it's informative/useful for any Donny Rovers fans out there who don't always get to watch the youth team.

Reports on individual games (at least those which I've seen) can be found on the right-hand column if you're reading this via a laptop/computer.

GOALKEEPERS

Ben Bottomley (Goalkeeper, 1st Year): He's shown improvement as the season has progressed and looked more assured in the run up to Xmas compared to some early-season games. His kicking/distribution could sometimes be better and it's undoubtedly something to work on but on the whole he's progressing okay and appears to be more confident now. In his most recent game, versus Scunthorpe, he was quite vocal with his defence and demanding higher standards which is definitely a positive attribute to have.

Kian Johnson (Goalkeeper, 1st Year): Probably the easiest squad member to write about as he's performed well in the games which I've watched - most notably in an U23s match at Rotherham where he wasn't overawed by playing alongside more experienced players, was quite vocal and merited all the after-match plaudits that he received. The simple message is to just keep it up, keep listening to the coaching staff to get better and keep enjoying it.


DEFENDERS

Lewis Cunningham (Left-Back, 1st Year): A good left-footed player capable of producing some decent crosses. Had a decent, solid enough start to the season, nailed his spot in the team, and showed what he can do in an attacking-sense with numerous overlapping runs and some good set-piece deliveries. Since then, his performances have been indifferent and that attacking threat has subsided to a degree. In the FA Youth Cup game against Mansfield, his marker, Rio Molyneux, got the better of him and ended up wreaking havoc. Therefore, the next time they face each other, it's important for him to give his best possible defensive showing and underline his capabilities against an opponent who is, in my opinion, the best winger in this league.

Ben Blythe (Centre-Back, 2nd Year): The leading player across the back-line. He's skipper, has a good left-foot, pretty much always looks assured, confident and isn't scared of getting stuck in when he needs to. Understands the game well and just needs keep performances high as he's had an, on the whole, steady season thus far. Minor criticism would that maybe sometimes he's too nice when he could be more vocal and dish out a few 'kick up the backsides' to drive up standards from others. He's also played in the U23s on a few occasions and Shane Blaney (who is a few years older and very, very similar) is someone who he can learn a lot from. Featured at left-back against Scunthorpe in the game prior to Xmas.

Nathan Dimou (Centre-Back, 2nd Year): Many folk who saw the youth team last term have spoken of a marked improvement in his individual displays this season. He's been consistent, has looked decent in the air and has proved himself to be an asset in both boxes; in all he compliments Ben Blythe very well. To put their pairing into context, I'd estimate the majority of the goals conceded have occurred when there's been a different central-defensive partnership (or even sometimes a back-three) yet him and Blythe have played most minutes together. Going forward, he needs to grasp any opportunities that come his way in the U23s as that's the natural next level to test his capabilities.

Max Jemson (Centre-Back, 1st Year): A big lad, well over 6ft, who boasts a big physical presence. He seemed to struggle in games in the early stages of the season but has appeared calmer and has shown more confidence as time has gone on. Openings for him might be limited this term - purely because of the Blythe-Dimou partnership ahead of him, though he'll likely feature more frequently next season.

Elliott Walker (Right-Back, 2nd Year): The player who I'd suspect has had most minutes across the development group as he's also frequently featured for the U23s. Tenacious, committed and usually quite solid. He has an 'edge' to his game which in isolation is a positive and something that I quite like about him. Sometimes though he's let that result in too many cautions (about five or six already) and this needs to be self-managed before it becomes a bigger problem and leads to more suspensions. Offers quite a bit in an attacking-sense and is a right-foot option at set-pieces.

Josh Clemitson (Full-Back, 1st Year): Has versatility and is capable of playing in quite a few positions though that's probably gone against him as others have consolidated a place in the team which has resulted in him being in and out of action.


MIDFIELDERS

Charlie Bell (Centre-Midfielder, 1st Year): A stifling, 'ratty' and full-blooded, fully-committed 'in the zone' type focused player who lives for a good tackle. He's someone who has the 'competitive streak' very much at the forefront of his game. Breaks play up well and has shown his value to the team in parts, albeit not consistently, as he's been in-and-out of the starting line-up for various reasons. Probably his target now for the remainder of this season is to try and consolidate and cement a position in the team ahead of next term when he's likely get quite a bit more game-time.

Lirak Hasani (Centre-Midfielder, 2nd Year): He's endured a stop-start season with injuries which have curtailed his progress - quite frustratingly as he was looking decent when he was fit and back in action around November. Won't always get noticed by supporters as he does the 'dirty work' and usually holds things together quite well. Has decent positional awareness and understanding/reading of the game so it isn't easy for opponents to get the better of him. He compliments Will McGowan who plays alongside him, very well. It's just frustrating (and purely bad luck) that his season has been so stop-start because of niggles/injuries that have ruled him out for periods.

Will McGowan (Centre-Midfielder, 2nd Year): Without doubt, the 'playmaker' in this team who is capable of passing the ball better than anyone. He's had some really high-quality performances where his vision/creativity have destroyed teams and he oozes calmness and composure, which makes him a very decent footballer. Despite his diminutive stature, he's not afraid of getting stuck in when he is required to do so. On the whole, his impact has wavered slightly when Lirak Hasani has been absent as they work really well together. Has played in the U23s on more than a few occasions now and just needs to maintain his work/creativity at that level. Decent on set-pieces as well.

Ethan Bojang (Midfielder, 1st Year): Quite unlucky to have missed a big chunk of the season as he scored on the opening day and was in good form (which coincided with most of the team's best performances) up to his injury. He should be back in action soon, as far as I'm aware, and probably just has to try and effect games as much as possible at that point. Has potential and will hopefully be able to highlight his worth more next season.

Liam Ravenhill (Midfielder/Forward, 1st Year): Technically, a clever player, quite energetic, and oddly his better performances have been in the games he's played for the U23s. He possesses that 'competitive streak' and is decent on and off the ball. Began the season in a midfield three but has also played as part of a front three as well. He sometimes drifts in and out of games so hopefully he'll become more involved in the action, more of the time, and 'push on' throughout the remainder of the season and deliver a couple of high level displays where everyone watching on the sidelines realises his talent/ability more clearly.


FORWARDS

Junior Smith (Winger/Striker, 2nd Year): Possibly the most talented player in the squad yet, in equal measure, sometimes the most frustrating one as well. He's performed decently over the last three months after an inconsistent start and evidence of his upturn in form would be his excellent return of both goals and opportunities created. Oozes skill, pace, trickery and has great potential. He could still maybe do with working on the positional/defensive aspects to his game - mainly when the team isn't in possession (even if it's just to stop Paul Stancliffe, on the sidelines, belting out 'JUNIOR!' at the top of his voice). Nevertheless, all things considered, if he can continue to maintain the consistency he's shown since the away win at Scunthorpe, then he'll put himself in with a good chance of progressing to the U23s and getting some game-time in that team.

Jack Watson (Forward, 2nd Year): A good, old-fashioned forward who is a bit of a throwback to a different era given that his excellent hold-up play can bring others into the game. He had a blistering opening month to the season where he bagged quite a few goals but, more pleasingly, produced what I thought was a very good display in the final game before Xmas against Scunthorpe. He's got bags of potential despite sometimes struggling against more physical/imposing defenders. Getting kicked and clattered off them, however, isn't a bad thing as it'll toughen him up and help him to become better and physically stronger in the long-term. A popular player, with high football intelligence, his current loan at Staveley should be beneficial to him as well.

Luca Nelson (Forward, 1st Year): He missed the first few weeks of the season and has featured sporadically since; starting some games and coming off the bench in others. He's yet to really put down a solid marker and have an outstanding performance yet he's still shown in glimpses that he's capable of using his strength/directness to decent effect and troubling defenders. His off-ball work and off-ball positional sense could do with improvement and he needs to add some goals to his game. On the whole, there's potential within him and plenty to strive for as well.

Marius Conradi (Forward, 2nd Year): He's been in and out of the team through injuries so has endured a stop-start season. Scored a goal in one of the more recent games (apologies because I can't remember who it was against) and his best displays have also been, more recently, where he's come off the bench and used his physical strength quite well. He needs now to just make as much of an impact (as is realistically possible) and seize any opportunities that come his way in the last seven games of the season.

Owan Derrett (Striker, 1st Year): He's probably not got as many minutes as he'd have liked though I suspect he'll feature a lot more prominently next season. Has blistering pace which has been shown in tiny glimpses and he also scored in the FA Youth Cup game at Mansfield - proving his ability within the box. He probably now needs to bag a few more goals, use his rapid pace to more devastating effect, and seize his next chance in the team by laying down a marker with a 'sit up and take notice' type-performance. It will happen, sooner or later, as well.