Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 0-1 Mansfield Town (U18s)

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 0-1 Mansfield Town (U18s)
Football League Youth Alliance
Saturday 1st May 2021

The Youth Alliance season ended on a damp note for Doncaster Rovers Under 18s as they were narrowly beaten by Mansfield Town on the 4G pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Jack Deakin struck the only goal of a close and competitive game just after half-time when he turned inside the box and ruthlessly fired into the top corner - the finish not that dissimilar from the goal he scored in the reverse fixture back in March.

Rovers had chances to get on the score-sheet and force a different outcome; particularly in the first half when Faris Khan, Will Hollings and Michael Nesbitt all went close to an opener, but in the end Mansfield's defence held firm and were quite difficult to break down.

The result means Doncaster finish in ninth position in the North-East Division table as Huddersfield Town, who could have leapfrogged them, lost 3-0 at Lincoln City.

With one eye firmly on the future, Rovers fielded a starting line-up which consisted entirely of first-year scholars and players from the current Under 16s.

The only two second-year lads involved (both named on the bench) were big centre-back Max Jemson and Josh Clemitson who was making his long-awaited return from an injury which has sidelined him for much of this season.

Despite Mansfield, who were physically bigger, being on the front foot in the very early exchanges, the first 45 minutes turned out to be a close and competitive affair with both sides trying to get the ball down and be creative.

Rovers slightly shaded proceedings and twice went close to an early opener - firstly when Faris Khan drilled a shot over from just inside the box before Will Hollings could only fire wide on the rebound a few minutes later after Stags' 'keeper Owen Mason went walkabout and his defence could only partially clear the danger.

Alex Wolny was as strong and physical as ever leading Rovers' forward-line and when he went to ground under a tackle and appealed for a spot-kick around the quarter-hour mark, to his frustration no penalty was forthcoming and the referee waved play on.

Mansfield's threat was sporadic but Tom Chambers produced an important save at the other end when he got down low to keep out a powerful effort during a counter-attack which saw Michael Nesbitt's boot come flying off after the defender was involved in the defensive work.

Corie Cole was victim to three offside flags before the half-time whistle whilst Wolny had another penalty appeal turned down. The closest Doncaster came to an opener was when Nesbitt connected to a corner kick but saw his looping header knocked away by Mason.

Having lost to Mansfield twice already this term, Rovers were keen to ensure it wouldn't happen for a third time but the visitors began the second period much the stronger and it wasn't too long until the lads found themselves on the wrong end of what's been an all too familiar scoreline.

Only a matter of moments after Chambers managed to plant a clearance straight onto analyst Matt Saunders' camera which had been filming the game until this point (it couldn't afterwards as it was disconnected), the Stags broke the deadlock.

Deakin, who poses a significant threat due to his size and movement, was afforded far too much time and space as he latched onto a low ball into the box from the left, spun to face goalwards and then unleashed an instinctive strike beyond the 'keeper to make it 1-0.

The goal bore all the hallmarks of the one he scored in the reverse fixture in Nottinghamshire only seven weeks ago and despite the fact the defensive trio of Bobby Faulkner, Dan Wilds and Nesbitt had appeared to be pretty cohesive up to this point, it was still a disappointing one to concede.

With Rovers searching for a route back into things, substitutions were made which saw Clemitson and Jemson enter the fold, whilst Ethan Harrison (who'd brought on for Khan at half-time) posed problems and looked a threat but couldn't quite deliver the final ball through to Wolny on the couple of occasions he managed to break partially away.

Mansfield defended well as a unit, stifled things and were streetwise when they needed to be in terms of wasting seconds, and other than routine bits and pieces of work and catching crosses, the very vocal Mason was rarely troubled.

It's fair to say that the lads were being frustrated in their efforts and were running out of ideas.

A second goal for the side in amber and blue looked more likely as the game edged towards its conclusion - especially when a counter-attack led to a three-on-two scenario but the resulting effort cleared Chambers' upright as the visitors stayed just a goal ahead.

Jemson blocked a powerful shot from Deakin in another breakaway attack and there wasn't much in the way of a grandstand finale as Mansfield comfortably held on to record three more points in the climb up the Youth Alliance (North-East Division) table.

Credit for the Stags can equally be shared but another player to catch the eye for them was Ethan Hill who showed a maturity, steadiness and composure in midfield - his influence on the game, and how much of the play went through him, was noticeable.

Team: Tom Chambers, Tom Parkinson, Dan Wilds, Bobby Faulker, Michael Nesbitt (Josh Lindley), Jak Whiting, Jack Raper, Will Hollings (Josh Clemitson), Faris Khan (Ethan Harrison), Corie Cole (Max Jemson), Alex Wolny.



Thoughts on this season

For Rovers, how this game unfolded, and the attacking aspect of it, is very similar to how so many other games have unfolded over the past eight months - chances have been created, not taken, the lads have gone behind and ultimately struggled thereafter to carve out any major openings to recover the deficit.

Many comparisons have already been drawn between last season's title success and this year's struggle in the lower reaches of the division but the two most notable things on the pitch have been a lack of a frequent goalscorer to replace both Jack Watson and Junior Smith (both of whom got into 'double figures' in 2019/20) and a deeply unsettled backline. The defensive disruption has been caused by a wide variety of reasons but to put it into context there has probably been 15 or so different centre-back partnerships used this term (with about 10 or so players selected in that position) compared to Ben Blythe and Nathan Dimou who were pretty much ever-present last term and quickly formed an understanding.

It's a combination of those differences, coupled with enforced changes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic (e.g. being separated from the first team on a daily basis, having to play on 4G pitches much more often, some lads having exhaustive travel due to not being able to stay in digs) and some players not really stepping up at certain points in games when they've needed to, which is why the team has struggled overall and finished lower down in the division.

It's obviously been a difficult season for everyone involved - unique in numerous ways with so many trials, tribulations, so much uncertainty and so many challenges and hopefully there'll never be a season like this ever again. So each and every player deserves credit for overcoming the various issues what have been put infront of them, not whinging or complaining about it, and just simply getting through what has been a ridiculously tough period for everyone in football. The character gained (perhaps unknowingly) in adapting to the various changes, growing as people, becoming mentally stronger and overcoming situations should stand everyone in good stead in years to come whether it be in football, coaching or whatever other avenues the lads choose to pursue.

For the second-years, who've now completed their scholarships and are leaving the club in the next few weeks, good luck with everything in the future and whatever you choose to do next. It's been a pleasure to get to know some of you, your parents, watch your games nearly every Saturday, even deal with the insults about my exceptionally brilliant clobber (which, for any readers who haven't seen it, is fantastic!) and I hope this blog has provided some memories which you can look back on, reminisce and have a laugh about in the years to come. That was the entire purpose of it when I set it back up a couple of years ago and no footballer, first team or otherwise, ever forgets their team-mates when they were a YTS - not even the ones who go on to play at the very top!

If any of you ever need advice or need a chat, pop up anytime and I'll do my best to help you out wherever I can - so good luck (and yes lads, the red Adidas trainers will be staying on my feet for a while yet)!



Looking towards next year

Moving back to the present day, youth football isn't just about results and some of the individual performances by players in the red and white hoops today weren't bad, and it provides encouragement for the next year or two.

Now I've learned every player's name from the Under 16s who've been involved for several weeks now (during which I've watched them in action on quite a few occasions), it's clear there are some talented players who'll be at the club next term.

Though he didn't get the final ball right, Ethan Harrison showed enough in today's game to suggest he could be a threat in attack with his movement and general play. Jack Raper possess good technical ability and was floating some very precise and pinpoint long-range passes about. Josh Lindley has caught the eye a few times previously with the simple intricacies and little bits and pieces he does in midfield which has been steady and effective in parts - it's something I'm looking forward to seeing next year because that work definitely doesn't go unnoticed to these eyes. Tom Parkinson, though quiet overall in the past couple of weeks, has already impacted other games to a decent extent, has lightning pace and looks to be a very useful asset and someone to keep an eye on. Tom Chambers, in the net (and potentially about to be docked a few quid due to the camera incident), looks capable of pushing Luke Chadwick all the way for the regular starting spot and is quite vocal - not afraid to shout and speak when it's needed. Faris Khan has impacted some games with his decent footwork and movement whilst Jak Whiting has become more settled on the left flank since his first outing and put in what was a pleasing display today at wing-back. Alex Fletcher, though he didn't feature this time out, is someone else who has shown plenty of energy and is at a good point to 'kick on' from going forward.

They are just some of the lads who will, effectively, be the new kids on the block later this summer.

After this, there are the second-year scholars - some of whom need to step up more than others. They all have the potential to do it and also play important roles next year though whether it be on the pitch in games or by showing good, mature leadership off the pitch on a day-to-day basis.

Tom Henson, currently out injured, has had an outstanding season on the right flank with his pace and energy and on the ball he's been brilliant. If that talent can be combined now with an improvement during off the ball and out of possession scenarios, then he potentially has a bright future ahead. The strength and hold-up play possessed by Alex Wolny is excellent more often than not simply because the ball sticks when it goes near him as I've said numerous times previously. If he can now add more goals to his game, believe in his ability a bit more often inside the box - especially when isolated, and show the same predatory instincts as he did when he scored a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest in pre-season then it will bode well for him in the longer-term. Corie Cole has shown glimpses of his excellent technical ability in parts though, on the whole, it's just been glimpses and it needs to happen more often - if he can do it consistently then it'll help to unlock the influence which he has within him and dominate some games! Similar applies to Will Hollings who has played quite a lot - especially in recent months, has produced bits and pieces, but now needs to be more consistent week after week. Tavonga Kuleya will also be hoping to 'kick on' and receive more game-time, having done relatively steadily this term before his campaign was cut short a month or so back.

Since coming into the team a while ago then Bobby Faulkner has performed okay, operates like an old-fashioned out and out defender (and that's before getting bloodied noses and teeth knocked out!) and he's established himself as a prominent figure in the backbone of the side. His partnership is growing all the time with Dan Wilds, who can also operate in midfield and has been steady this term and also Michael Nesbitt who has got plenty of aggression and is useful but has been hampered a bit by injuries this season. They did alright as a unit in today's game even though the goal conceded was disappointing. With just one clean-sheet kept all season and so many different partnerships explored (as already explained), it's safe to say, there is a big opportunity for the lads to make the centre-back shirt their own next season, become the leading defender amongst the group and really seize the opportunity.

Finally, Luke Chadwick is a safe enough pair of hands between the sticks, has got more confident as time has progressed and is someone else who'll be looking to get as much game-time as possible in 2021/22.

The new scholars already have an insight into what's expected of them at Youth Alliance level after featuring in a number of games this side of Christmas. After what will no doubt be a tough pre-season including lots of fitness work, the new campaign will represent a blank canvas and the start of a two-year opportunity to write their own script, stake a claim, get noticed and achieve a ton load of positive memories - irrespective of whether they sign professional terms further down the line or otherwise.

Hopefully, things will go well in terms of both results and performances next season.

Nevertheless, it's crucial in the pre-season period the entire team forms a rock-solid team-spirit, good relationships amongst one other, a genuine togetherness, a strong bond, an attitude of 'we're in this together and we can beat everyone' and become absolutely unbreakable as a unit. That fabric is found in the best teams and creating that positive environment is something which every player can buy into and help create.

Hitting the ground running would be ideal but if that doesn't happen - through luck, injuries or poor form, it'll be the strength of that togetherness and collective spirit which will give everyone the best possible chance of achieving things. Every player next year has talent, possesses something to offer and it's important to remember they've been given a scholarship for a reason.

It'd be naive to think there won't be disappointing moments and challenges which the lads will need to figure out for themselves. Whether or not they gel as a team and are able to produce decent performances which leads to positive results remains to be seen entirely but my gut feeling is that it could be a good year...

What exactly 'good' means or what it should best be described as is subjective and based on everyone's own opinion and viewpoint.

Avoiding a battle for the wooden spoon on the final day would be the first step forward in terms of the league position. Over the past decade though previous DRFC youth team's have historically usually finished in the top half of the Youth Alliance.

That would be a 'good' mark to aim for in my view!