Doncaster Rovers (U17s) 1-2 Huddersfield Town (U17s)

Doncaster Rovers (U17s) 1-2 Huddersfield Town (U17s)
Clarets Cup
Tuesday 1st October 2019

Despite Luca Nelson's first goal of the season, Doncaster Rovers succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Huddersfield Town in the Clarets Cup.

Nelson cancelled out Gulutte Zunda's early opener for the Terriers before Brahima Diarra's curling attempt in the second half won it for the West Yorkshire visitors.

Rovers, who should have been awarded a spot-kick with the game goalless in the early minutes, could have actually levelled from the spot before the break anyway had Owan Derrett not seen his attempt saved by the visiting 'keeper.

For those who've never heard of the Clarets Cup, it's a competition which purpose is to give fringe players in youth team set-up's some competitive game-time and, furthermore, it also allows clubs to promote lads from their Under 16s should they see fit to do so.

In total, there are 12 clubs involved and they've been split into two groups of six; thus ensuring at least five matches before a knockout stage later in the season.

The game was played on the 3G surface at the Keepmoat Stadium (just behind the athletics track) and, in keeping with the recent weather, it was a cold and horrible night, though at least the rain held off!

Rovers fielded a mixed team with six players starting from the Under 16s and five; Max Jemson, Lewis Cunningham, Owan Derrett, Josh Clemitson and Marius Conradi, featuring from the youth team. Luca Nelson came on at the interval and there were a plethora of substitutions during the second period as nine Under 16s were on the pitch at the finale with Jemson being the only YT who featured for the full duration.

Unfortunately, I don't know the names of the Under 16s, but there were a few who looked alright individually. The Rovers 'keeper, who was the busier of the two, certainly appeared capable and possesses a good physique for a shot-stopper, too.

Huddersfield were combative, competitive and produced a decent enough display and although it'll be frustrating to lose, this experience and the aspects which will be learned, is going to stand the lads in good stead if/when they earn a scholarship and 'step-up' in the future.