Former scholars round-up (31/05/22)

There aren't many better feelings in football than when you win promotion.

It's the culmination of months of graft and determination to achieve something special; it doesn't happen very often in most players' careers and it's usually followed by a good party afterwards too.

And five ex-scholars of Doncaster Rovers have been spraying the champagne in celebration in recent weeks.

Jack McKay (top left) and Lewis Cunningham (top right) celebrate promotion. (Photo: York City FC).

Although neither featured, both Jack McKay and Lewis Cunningham (pictured above) received promotion winners medals and got their hands on a trophy which looks remarkably similar to The FA Cup after York City overcame Boston United in the National League North Play-Off Final.

Elsewhere, Alex Peterson was celebrating as Belper Town sealed promotion to Step 3 with a 1-0 victory at Chasetown and at NCEL level, it was party time too for Liam Nelthorpe who was in North Ferriby's line-up as they overcame Harrogate Railway in the Division One Play-Off Final to achieve promotion to Step 5.

Max Jemson (who was at Wembley at the weekend just gone to watch Nottingham Forest return to the Premier League) also made a terrific impact at Newark Town in the latter stages of the season. Having only joined the club in February, the 6ft4 centre-back put in multiple assured and commanding displays as Newark gazumped Retford United, Clay Cross Town and long-time league leaders Thorne Colliery to lift the Central Midlands Premier Division trophy.

Five former scholars with promotion medals may yet become six and that's because Danny Amos is preparing for the National League Play-Off Final with Grimsby Town.

The 22-year-old has established himself as first choice left-back since his arrival at Blundell Park in January, having racked up 20 appearances to date. He's also been involved in both matches of a rollercoaster Play-Off campaign so far as Grimsby dramatically overcame Notts County and Wrexham to book their place in the National League showpiece where they'll face Solihull Moors at the London Stadium.

Max Jemson made a positive impact at Newark Town (Photo: Newark Town FC).

Of course, whilst gaining promotion through the Play-Offs is a superb feeling, losing out in that way can be one of the hardest things to take in football.

Just ask Jonny Maxted. A beaten finalist during his spell at Exeter City (who've just ironically achieved automatic promotion), the 'keeper is nowadays at Northampton Town and kept goal at the Sixfields Stadium as the Cobblers' season came to an abrupt end with a Semi-Final Second Leg defeat to Mansfield Town.

Liam Mandeville, who made his England 'C' team debut since the last update on ex-scholars, also endured Play-Off despair as Chesterfield were consigned to a fifth season of non-league football when they were beaten at Solihull Moors last weekend. His 49 appearances have been enough to earn him an offer of a new contract at the Technique Stadium though.

Billy Whitehouse (at Chorley) lost out when they were beaten by York City in the National League North Play-Offs, Harry Middleton missed out with Cleethorpes Town at Step 4, whilst Brad Grayson was red carded as Rossington Main's hopes of a brilliant finish to their best ever season at Step 6 ended with a tough to take Semi-Final defeat to North Ferriby. Rosso might have lost by a much greater scoreline than just 2-0 had it not been for some excellent saves from Kian Johnson to further enhance his reputation.

I'll always maintain that Will McGowan was probably the most technically gifted player to pull on a DRFC shirt at youth team level and having won the 'Young Player Of The Year Award' at South Shields (where Kevin Phillips is manager), it's brilliant that he's making a positive impact in a first team setting. Even he couldn't crack the Play-Offs though as South Shields lost on penalties to Warrington Town in their NPL (Premier) Semi-Final meeting.

And despite a string of good individual displays and being in a top five position for much of the season, Aron Gordon never even got to compete in them as Grays Athletic somehow contrived to drop out of the top five in the Isthmian (Division One North) during the latter weeks of the season.

Will McGowan won the 'Young Player Of The Year Award' (Photo: South Shields FC).

Elsewhere, two former DRFC youngsters have performed well enough to earn themselves moves up the pyramid ahead of next season.

Michael Carberry put in some phenomenal displays for Bootle FC at Step 4 which resulted in him joining Southport on loan towards the end of the season. At Haig Avenue, some more impressive displays - including one which saw him earn a place in the divisional 'Team Of The Day' he's now made that move across Merseyside a permanent arrangement.

There's also a very good chance Declan Howe will be stepping up in 2022/23. Although nothing has been announced yet, you don't need to be a brain surgeon to work out he'll have multiple offers considering he was the second highest scorer in the NCEL (Premier); bagging 30 goals (including pre-season) for Staveley Miners Welfare who've had their request for relegation to the NCEL (Division One) accepted. 

Michael Carberry earned a place in the NLN Team Of The Day in April.

In other news:

- Liam Ravenhill bagged his first goal in senior football as Mickleover drew 3-3 against Buxton in April; he'll now be hoping to break into the first team at DRFC next season. 

- Ethan Bojang has left Peterborough United in search of first team football after a season in which he primarily featured for Posh's U23s.

- Lewis Cunningham was released by York City following the Minstermen's promotion to the National League. He ended the campaign on loan at Glossop North End.

- Andrew Boyce, whose story should offer inspiration to any young players currently looking for a club, has left Eastleigh after five years and over 200 appearances. Now 32, he's expected to move back north in the coming weeks.

- Craig Nelthorpe, who'll soon be 35, joined Ossett United from Belper Town shortly before the transfer window slammed shut in March.

- Josh Clemitson is going from strength to strength in America and recently joined Midwest United Men's USL-2 team after an impressive first year at Aquinas College.

- Joe Pugh was recently unveiled in a new player-coach role at Armthorpe Welfare following Lee Morris' takeover as chairman-manager at the club.

- Morgan James graced the Eco-Power Stadium pitch once again as Maltby Main were beaten by Worksop Town in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Final on 30th April.

- Reece Fielding has chosen to leave Stocksbridge Park Steels (who play at Step 4) following a couple of seasons at the 'other' Eco-Power Stadium in Yorkshire.

- Jack Muldoon has been offered a new contract at Harrogate Town. The striker scored 13 goals in 50 outings for the League Two club last term.

- Tom Chambers gained his first experience of men's football when he made a handful of appearances on loan at Armthorpe Welfare in March/April.

Josh Clemitson playing for Aquinas College (Photo: AQMensSoccer).

Finally, there's no better place (or worse... as some might say) to end this piece than the Eco-Power Stadium and 12 players who began their careers in the youth team are moving on to pastures new.

Branden Horton is departing after making 41 first team appearances across four years whilst Lirak Hasani and AJ Greaves were also confirmed as being on the released list. Hasani ended the season on loan at Basford United (who earned a reprieve from relegation at Step 3) whereas Greaves was making a positive impression at York City until injury put an end to his season in March but he should be back fit for the upcoming pre-season.

Ben Blythe's move to Swansea City, where he'll be part of their U23s team, has now officially been rubber-stamped and he'll head to South Wales later this summer.

New deals were offered to Louis Jones, Ben Bottomley and Bobby Faulkner.

Eight scholars were also released. Perhaps the most surprising to depart was Tom Henson as he was the best amongst his peers over the past two years and actually scored in his game at the LFE Exit Trials last week. In no particular order, the others to depart were Will Hollings, Michael Nesbitt, Corie Cole, Dan Wilds, Tavonga Kuleya, Luke Chadwick and Alex Wolny.

Good luck to all the lads!

That (I think) just about covers everything for another month but as always if I've missed anything, let me know and I'll include it in the end of season update.

In the meantime, feel free to click on the following links if you've missed any previous articles on former DRFC scholars which features dozens more names and stories:

March | February | Xmas / New Year | November | October | September | August | July |.

The journey of Andrew Boyce

The journey of Andrew Boyce: A story for any young players who've been let go by their clubs this summer and in need of inspiration.

It’s the summer of 2009.

Eric Prydz’s 'Pjanoo' is at the top of the music charts, the UK economy is dragging itself away from the grip of the recession and Barcelona’s ‘tiki-taka’ style under some guy called 'Pep' is conquering the football world.

Much closer to home, at Doncaster Rovers, the first team has overcome a torrid first half of the season to haul themselves off the bottom of the Championship and secure another year of second-tier football but for Andrew Boyce, instead of being part of that journey, it's a different story.

With little in the way of a first team opening at the Keepmoat Stadium, he's just been released and at 19 years of age, he must now find another club and make his own way in the world. He’s been out on loan at Worksop Town (at Step 3) and has been told he’s got 'potential' but it's not been enough to earn him another contract.

Andrew Boyce celebrates a win during his five years at Eastleigh (Photo: Eastleigh FC).

At this point, amidst the despair, rejection and natural worries about the future that such a scenario provokes for every player, things could go one of two ways. He could leave football altogether and pursue a new way of living, or he could use the disappointment as burning fuel to ignite the fire and do something he's always wanted ever since he was a little boy: be a professional footballer (and prove people wrong in doing so).

Thirteen years on from that period, Boycey is back in the same position of being released - this time having made over 200 for Eastleigh in the National League over the past five years. 

But what he’s achieved in the years since leaving Doncaster shows that the judgment made in 2009 was just that; an opinion, and it doesn't have to stop you from achieving whatever you want to achieve.

Although centre-back is notoriously one of the most difficult positions in a team to establish yourself, he never gave up chasing his dream. Even after enduring a strange time at Kings Lynn immediately following his DRFC departure when the Linnets went bust mid-season, he took his desire to Gainsborough Trinity where he was signed by a former Premier League gaffer in Brian Little.

It was at Gainsborough where he established himself over two-and-a-half years. Playing regularly, he reached the point where he was just one game away from achieving promotion to the National League only for that dream to end via a defeat to Nuneaton Town in the Play-Off Final.

Still, his attitude, drive and application meant he was soon a National League player anyway as Lincoln City gave him the chance of full-time football once more. He then went on to play for Scunthorpe, Grimsby (twice), Hartlepool (under Ronnie Moore) and Notts County over the next few years at some top grounds such as Fratton Park, Pride Park, Deepdale and Bramall Lane.

He's played against well-known players including Dele Alli, Darren Bent, Sylvain Distin, Ollie Watkins, Tom Ince and Conor Hourihane in his career, scored a few crucial goals, had the ball ache of a midweek trip to Plymouth for an FA Cup replay, and made loads of memories which he'll be able to recall in an instant and tell his kids and grandkids about in years to come.

And he wouldn't have done any of that had he not overcome that rejection at the start of his career and proved people wrong.

It's also the character and resilience gained at a young age which meant when Boycey has endured low moments in his career; such as being a game away from an FA Cup Third Round tie against Liverpool when he was at Lincoln, or missing out on a trip to Wembley by losing a Play-Off Semi-Final whilst on loan at Grimsby, he’s been able to get through it, recover quickly, and enjoy the career he's had.

Having played over 3,000 minutes in each of the past five seasons for Eastleigh at National League level and with over 400 career appearances under his belt, I'm pretty confident that, with the help of Mr Philpott, he'll be showing his qualities at another club next season.

So, to any young footballers out there reading this who've just been released and might be feeling worried about the future, remember that you're gaining strength in adversity right now and, even if it doesn't seem like it, these emotions will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Of course, not every young player released is going to go on and play at a high level and enjoy some of the moments which Boycey has done over the past 13 years.

Luck and timing at a club is as important as anything else but always believe in your own ability and qualities as a person. Being told 'No' is just one opinion and if you can go on and forge a career at whatever level, and get paid for doing something you enjoy, there's no better feeling in the world.

Like Andrew Boyce, don't let rejection define you.

The Aaron Collins story!

Tuesday 15th November 2016.

Notts County are winning 1-0 against Boreham Wood in an FA Cup First Round Replay at Meadow Lane, the game is deep into injury-time, and then BOOM!

Aaron Collins (No.39) gets possession around 25 yards out and with an instinctive swivel to get away from a defender followed by a cute touch to set himself, he smashes the ball with venom straight into the top corner and wheels off with a beaming smile as the White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' blasts out over the tannoy.

He knows he's bagged a worldie and it's some goal to cap a five-minute cameo from the bench. It's also imprinted in my mind forever because that's the moment where my belief in Aaron Collins and what he can do on a football pitch, first began.

Aaron Collins just being Aaron Collins (Photo: Dan Westwell).

I've followed his career ever since that night - from loan spells at Tranmere Rovers (scored in a record-equaling 9-0 win over Solihull Moors), Maidstone United (the Kenzo jumper for the unveiling), Colchester United (bagged in the Essex Derby) and then Morecambe where he really kicked on and had the unique and sometimes spectacular Liam Mandeville as one of his partners in mayhem. For a brief period, he even re-united with the brilliant Tom Owen-Evans (his old youth team pal) when he returned to Newport County, the club where it properly began for him, in the second part of the 2017/18 season.

Deceptively strong (much more so than he gets credit for in my opinion) and possessing a ripped physique, there's loads of hidden qualities to his game other than his brilliant technique which enables him to unleash the spectacular in the blink of an eye - something he's produced so many times now.

He's also developed a habit for scoring crucial late goals throughout his career. A last-gasp strike at Oldham for Morecambe was one, the 96th minute winner at Mansfield two years back for Forest Green was another, whilst the 50th goal of his career caused mayhem just a few weeks back because it completed the comeback at Rochdale and secured his first ever hat-trick in professional football.

His celebrations can be just as memorable and his first goal for FGR (away at Salford; went to that game) is one of several which have gone viral. It was a pleasure putting together his goals compilation recently and I wouldn't do it for just any old footballer!

Talent on the pitch is one thing but it's what someone is like as a person which is far more important and, again, Aaron Collins has every quality a manager would want in a dressing room.

Everyone I've spoken to speaks so highly about him. If his constant smile doesn't immediately win people over then his humble nature and hard-working attitude certainly will do. Without an ego and completely down to earth, if you treat him right then he'll run through the proverbial brick wall and give you absolutely everything he’s got.

Just ask Joey Barton about that!

If that’s not enough, his personality helps get the best from others. If somebody is struggling, having Aaron Collins nearby... and just basically being Aaron Collins, whether he's sticking his tongue out or being one of the lads, can lift the gloom straight away.

He's totally genuine and it's easy to spot from a million miles away because it's qualities which no transfer fee in the world can buy! If I could watch a team every week that has just 25% of Aaron Collins' qualities as a person then I'd die very happily because his aura and his impact is that good.

Aaron Collins just being Aaron Collins... scoring THAT goal against Boreham Wood
(Photo: Dan Westwell).

Of course, it’s very, very easy when things are going well and everyone loves you, but when times are tough, he also has that desire and determination to keep working hard in order to be the best he possibly can - not just as a player, but as a person too.

It's why he overcame rejection as a youngster when he got released by Bristol Rovers and had to go and work in McDonalds before joining Newport's youth team. It's why he overcame a difficult spell at Wolves where he had multiple loans out for 'experience' with little in the way of first team chances. It's why he overcame the double disappointment of not getting promoted two years in a row at Forest Green Rovers. And, very recently, it's why he overcame possibly the biggest frustration of his career to date in not scoring for so long at the start of this season but still went on to be top scorer with 19 (not 18; sorry Sam Finley) goals from November onwards.

In those fleeting but real moments of self-doubt which happens to everyone at some point in life, it takes an inner-resilience to overcome stuff, and everything he's achieved is testament to the guy he is!

But deep down, and above everything, he’s still just a big kid at heart with bags of enthusiasm and joyfulness whose primary aim is to make his mum, dad and girlfriend proud and be a great big brother for Lewis who is still at Newport. The escapade up the traffic lights in his full Bristol Rovers kit which went viral shows he's as barking mad as 'Alfie' (you've got to know your players) and he's just got unlimited amounts of love and energy.

There's a big reason why Bristol Rovers got promoted this season! And there’s an even bigger reason why, in years to come when little Junior Gasheads have become fully grown adults, they'll always buzz off the memories of this team. 

What a wonderful legacy that is!

Aaron Collins just being Aaron Collins (Photo: Bristol Rovers FC).

That result against Scunthorpe on the final day of the season was ALWAYS going to happen. If you know, you know - and you only have to take one look at the togetherness by everyone in the celebrations following the last gasp winner at Rochdale to know something special was brewing from a unique group of players who possessed that certain something. It happens only once in a generation at even the best clubs across the country.

Only a small pool of footballers ever get to be part of something so special in their careers.

Promotions happen but the unbreakable bond is on another scale altogether and for Aaron Collins, Saturday 7th May 2022 was the culmination of years of knockbacks, graft to prove people wrong and reach a definitive moment in his life where he could experience something beyond the realms of what he ever thought was emotionally possible.

In those moments on the pitch afterwards where he probably didn't have a clue what he was saying, or up the traffic lights on Gloucester Road at ten o'clock at night, or at the Awards Night on the Sunday when he's stood like a movie star in sunglasses with his arms aloft, every part of his personal journey to reach that moment will have felt worth it. Every sacrifice, every setback and every frustration was released in those moments and they can be cherished forever now!

And what will mean so much more to him is that he knows he's made his mum, dad, girlfriend and entire family even prouder of him than they already were.

So happy birthday for next week mate, keep doing exactly what you're doing and never change!

And as you've probably been engrossed reading this for the last few minutes, you might have forgotten the words to 'Happy Birthday'. It goes like this... ‘DON'T YOU KNOW PUMP IT UP’ - THE GAS ARE GOING UP!'

Aaron Collins just being Aaron Collins (Photo: Bristol Rovers FC).

Sheffield United (U18s) 5-1 Colchester United (U18s)

Sheffield United (U18s) 5-1 Colchester United (U18s)

Premier League Professional Development League Semi-Final

Sunday 15th May 2022

It was a privilege to be at Bramall Lane to witness this Sheffield United team put in such a high quality, impressive and hard-working performance as they came from behind to demolish Colchester United in this Professional Development League Semi-Final.

Trailing 1-0 due to a somewhat fortuitous goal just before the break, the Blades knew they had work to do in the second half - and they duly responded with a phenomenal showing in which they oozed quality, class, character and charisma.

With Oliver Arblaster popping the ball around for fun from his deep-lying midfield position and so much quality and movement ahead of him, it turned out to be a devastating onslaught of pressure. The Blades were ruthless and rampant as Josh Smith got two goals - the second of which was absolutely superb, Sydie Peck poked home another (and got a SUPERB assist), Finley Potter bagged for the first time since his injury and Theo Williams completed the rout with a well-deserved goal in the closing stages.

Had Bramall Lane been packed to the rafters, the place would have been bouncing because it was a performance worthy of appreciation and respect. The best trait a team can possess is having that sheer desire to work hard; it's something that has to come from within and these boys have it in abundance, along with some quality players who are capable of causing utter carnage.

It must be said that Colchester didn't actually play particularly badly. They had players who could (and did) pose problems but the Blades were just a class above and perform in such accomplished style.

Overall Thoughts

It was a joy to watch this game and see the desire, intensity and pure commitment on show. The scoreline was reflective of the graft and energy which was put in.

Players can possess all the talent in the world but having the character and desire to work hard, make certain sacrifices and do things to make the very most of that talent has to come from within. These boys

demonstrated that inner-desire by giving 100% (for the player next to them as much as themselves) in this performance. There was a willingness to chase lost causes - evidenced on multiple occasions, press and work hard off the ball and make runs (even when they didn't come off). Standards never dropped and there was no moaning by anyone; every player was on the same wavelength and that over-riding commitment to work hard shone through as much as the quality on show. It was a high quality display and they did themselves, their team-mates, their coaches and their club proud.

To sum it up, Oliver Arblaster was as good as anyone. The definition of a playmaker, his passing was excellent whether it be short passes, long passes, using his left or right foot. He read the game exceptionally well (example: skipping a challenge under pressure early in the second half when in a deep position) before nonchalantly driving forward with the ball. His contributions were vast and he was a class act in this performance, yet his best attribute was, at 4-1 up and with players waiting for the game to re-start after the fourth goal, he was encouraging his team-mates to 'go again' and make sure standards didn't slip. 

There was plenty of quality and it was a pleasure to witness it; likewise the display from Josh Smith was excellent as well. He epitomised energy and the two goals were fully deserved, his technique was good and he linked up well with those around him to cause all manner of problems.

This was my first time 'live' watching Will Lankshear and Sydie Peck and they both made good initial impressions which always counts for a lot.

Although he didn't score, Lankshear held the ball up well, used his frame to positive effect, demonstrated a good first touch, caused defenders problems and could have had a penalty (was it or wasn't it... who knows?). His movement was good and he offered a lot more than any stereotype of him just being a 'big frontman' which some people might initially think him to be when they view him before actually seeing him play. He has qualities as a captain and it showed.

I know a little bit more about Peck, particularly the Arsenal background, and having taken some time to grow into this game then he ultimately didn't disappoint. He's technically very aware and always seemed to find space and areas to exploit, ventured to the left, went out to the right, was a central threat at certain points, and it was exceptionally hard for Colchester's players to mark that movement. He showed an abundance of talent to go with all the other quality which was around him on the pitch. The assist (left-foot) for the equaliser was absolutely 'eye of a needle' and sublime but even early in the game when he twice chased lost causes (the second of which where he went tumbling over the advertising board) it was a really good blueprint of what I've heard he's all about. His yellow card for time-wasting was harsh, particularly when the referee let a Colchester player get away with exactly the same thing 10 minutes earlier (consistency would be nice!), but he made a good 'live' first impression which will stick in the memory.

Elsewhere, considering he was booked early on, Theo Williams played with an exciting edge and tenacity to the game and made two brilliant contributions for the second goal for which he ought to get a lot of plaudits. Direct, pacey and problematic, it was pleasing when he finally got a goal in the latter stages of the game which his work ethic and good attitude merited.

Finley Potter will be relieved to have bagged a goal which is due as much to his injury lay-off as his mistake in the first half which led to the opener - again something which happens (even to the best players) and will be one to learn from, but the response to it was excellent.

Charlie Staniland added an extra dimension to the play when he was introduced at the break and that didn't go unnoticed, whilst a special mention must also go to Callum Hiddleston who got down low to make a save on 68 minutes when Colchester's left-back was left unmarked in the box (and thus allowed the opportunity to have a shot) after the No.9 held the ball up very well from a long throw. It was an important save at a crucial time because had that gone in, it'd have been a sloppy and frustrating goal to concede and things could have panned out differently though.

Ultimately, the result was quality and it's got to be remembered that all five goals were scored in a 20-minute period (and against a team who've excelled in the South this term). If that ruthlessness was replicated over the course of a game, the scoreline would be well into double figures and it's all down to the players having that good attitude and inner-desire to work relentlessly for each other by doing the 1% things which collectively add up to something special.

All of these lads have had a brilliant campaign; that's why they've been unbeaten, won the league, performed admirably when they've stepped up and into the U23s and they now have an even tougher game against Charlton Athletic to look forward to next weekend as the season reaches its climax.

They'll know in the context of football (in the bigger picture) they haven't achieved anything in their careers just yet; they've only made an extremely good start and have lots to feel proud about. 

As long as they keep striving, working hard, listening to the coaching staff and demonstrating that undisputed work ethic (plus having that little bit of luck along the way which every professional footballer needs), they'll give themselves a great chance of perhaps one day either scoring or creating a goal infront of The Kop, and causing utter pandemonium amongst 30,000 fans.

What an unimaginable feeling that must be!

Match Report

Despite having not previously seen Sheffield United's U18s 'live' this season, I've read plenty about them thanks largely to the coverage that the club provides on Twitter (which is miles better than most other clubs locally provide).

On the pitch, the Blades been invincibles in the Professional Development League and, unsurprisingly, their great record ensured they topped the North Division table. Furthermore, both Sydie Peck's and Will Lankshear's faces (and occasionally others) have crept into my subconsciousness by virtue of how frequently they've appeared on my Twitter timeline - usually because they've scored another goal.

Both Peck and Lankshear, along with a string of other familiar names, were named in the starting xi with the latter skippering the side as they sought to set up a date with Charlton Athletic in the National Final next weekend.

The intensity about the game was excellent from an early stage.

After a few near openings in the early minutes when Oliver Arblaster was putting balls to feet in dangerous positions, Colchester got to grips with things and responded with a nice five-minute spell of pressure of their own during which Brad Ihionvein headed wide after a deflected cross and also hit a speculative low shot from outside the area straight into the body of the Blades 'keeper.

Beyond the quarter hour mark, United began to get on top and dictate possession again with Colchester more or less happy to sit in, maintain their shape and allow that to happen.

Peck began to make some good contributions; the first of which saw him chase what initially seemed to be a lost cause and win a corner, although his momentum in doing so took him over the advertising boards. No damage was done and he was fine to continue and although the initial delivery into the box from the resulting set-piece was cleared, Arblaster did well to recycle things with a ball in towards Josh Smith whose effort was deflected over. The ball from the next corner was then claimed by the 'keeper.

As the Blades continued to enjoy plenty of possession, what they needed to do was convert that into chances and there was a momentary belief that the referee might be about to award a penalty on 25 minutes. Peck floated a good ball into the area towards Lankshear and the big man brought the ball under control excellently, via his chest, and went to ground under a challenge. There looked to be some contact; although how much exactly is debatable, and the referee waved play on.

Still goalless at this point, the visitors' game-plan was working and they showed occasional glimpses of what they could do going forward. Price (No.3) had an explosive burst down the left flank which culminated with a ball into the box in one instance, whilst Ihionvein (No.9) was a threat and good with his feet, whilst Samson Tovide (No.10) was more about strength and power.

Nevertheless, the Blades continued to carve out the better openings and Theo Williams enjoyed probably the clearest chance up to this point when he was put through on goal thanks to a delightful lofted ball over the top by Arblaster. In-behind albeit with plenty still to do, he unleashed a stinging drive from just inside the area that required a good save from the 'keeper who tipped it behind for a corner. In retrospect he could have perhaps taken another touch and got closer to goal before unleashing an effort but, in any case, he didn't and the resulting corner came to nothing.

As the game approached half-time, Smith, who seemed full of energy, took centre stage with a lovely bit of skill which culminated in another chance. He received possession and burst like a man possessed into empty space with the ball at his feet before knocking a ball through to Lankshear. His touch was decent but his shot was met with the same outcome as those before them and the Colchester 'keeper made a save.

It was perhaps ironic that just moments later, the goal did arrive but instead of what would have been a deserved opener for the Blades, it was a goal infront of The Kop for Colchester instead.

In a goal which bore similarities to this one in the Manchester Derby in 2002, Finley Potter was the player at fault as he kept the ball in play as opposed to launching it down the line and was dispossessed by Ihionvein. The Colchester forward then drove his way from the touchline into the area where he poked the ball low beyond Callum Hiddleston to put the visitors 1-0 up. Potter probably wanted the ground to swallow him up at this point. It was a mistake; these things happen (even to players like Gary Neville as seen in the video) and you have to get on with it.

It's how mistakes are responded to which are important and knowing the quality they possess in their ranks, the Blades' crop probably never have doubted themselves for one second that they could get back into the game.

However, even by their own exceptionally high standards, what they produced in the second half was on another level altogether. It was phenomenal. It was sublime!

Now attacking towards The Kop and with Charlie Staniland having also replaced Owen Hampson at the break, a couple of early warning shots were fired in as Williams hit a shot straight at the 'keeper who then did very well to smother the ball at the feet of the Blades' attacker six minutes later when he was put through on the back of a slick, slalom midfield run by Arblaster that saw him open up and drift effortlessly into dangerous space. 

Had it not been for an unfortunate 'double touch' upon receiving the ball in that instance, Williams might have scored but an equaliser duly arrived on the hour mark.

Although Arblaster popped some fantastic balls around the pitch, he was perhaps upstaged in the quality stakes by Peck's wonderful assist in this goal. Using his weaker left-foot from a central berth just inside the Colchester half, the midfielder threaded a piercing through ball for Smith to latch onto and the striker read the situation brilliantly and fired home with venom. The finish was good but the assist was exceptional; defence-splitting, purposeful and delightful to watch. Worthy of respect!

Clearly buzzing with confidence at having got the equaliser, Peck went from provider to scorer within a matter of minutes as the Blades completely turned things around and opened up a 2-1 cushion.

Williams was at the heart of things this time as his exquisite movement, touch and ball control allowed his team-mates the chance to spring a quick attack down the right channel. He played a simple pass to Lankshear, who'd drifted wide, and himself drove purposefully into the box. With the Colchester defence stretched, Lankshear then cut inside and played a dangerous cross into the goalmouth which was superbly 'dummied' by Williams whose off-the-ball movement took a defender with him; thus allowing it to reach Peck who was able to poke it home under pressure. It was another high octane, high quality goal and a great example of devastating, intelligent, ruthless and incisive play with so many good aspects to it.

Instead of being able to sit off and soak up pressure, the quickfire goals meant Colchester now had to be more expansive and adventurous if they wanted to get back into the game and there was soon a warning sign that they weren't going to give up - so much so they ought to have equalised themselves when their No.3 was left unmarked in the box whilst the Blades were penned in deep following a long-throw and his low drive needed to be tipped round the post by Hiddleston.

Had that chance been converted then it might have been a very different final 20 minutes. 

Instead, after Arblaster received treatment on the pitch for a few minutes having received a blow in the face, the Blades ramped things up and produced a merciless 10-minute period of pure and unadulterated devastation and destruction infront of goal which would have sent a full Bramall Lane into pandemonium!

Smith bagged his second goal of the game (and the pick of the bunch) thanks to some brilliant technique when he received the ball and drove with it meaningfully past three players to get into a shooting position inside the box. Although the angle initially looked against him, he unleashed a rasping drive with venom into the far corner and was duly mobbed by his delighted team-mates.

It was perhaps only now at this point that Colchester were beginning to look like a beaten team but there were no signs that the Sheffield United 'juggernaut' was about to stop laying siege on goal in an effort to make the scoreline as emphatic as possible.

A fourth goal arrived on 77 minutes. Lankshear initially forced a low save to win a corner and Peck's subsequent delivery was met with a powerful headed connection at the back-post which resulted in the ball looping upwards and dropping at the opposite post where Potter gambled ahead of everyone else and steered it into the unguarded net.

A scintillating showing then became a five-star performance by the Blades because, two minutes later, the ball was in the net once again. Arblaster was this time the mercurial midfield maestro; left-foot or right-foot, his passing was exceptional and having exchanged a tidy one-two with Smith, his nonchalant right-foot pass through to Williams was finished with aplomb by the Blades striker.

It was perhaps fitting that after such a glowing second half performance, the Bramall Lane floodlights were switched on to illuminate the young stars in the closing minutes and a sixth goal almost came to fruition in injury-time when Fernando Macedo had a shot saved by the visiting 'keeper.

Team: Callum Hiddleston, Sai Sachdev, Tom Angell, Owen Hampson (Charlie Staniland), Levis Pitan, Finley Potter, Sydie Peck (Fernando Macedo), Oliver Arblaster, Will Lankshear, Josh Smith, Theo Williams. Unused Subs: Henry Hampshaw, Ben Drake, Connor Barratt.

Bradford City (U18s) 5-0 Doncaster Rovers (U18s)

Bradford City (U18s) 5-0 Doncaster Rovers (U18s)

EFL Youth Alliance

Monday 9th May 2022

Every so often you can feel privileged enough to watch a performance which has so much energy, verve, style, creativity, beauty, character and a distinct blueprint about it.

This was one of those occasions - and it might even just be the best youth team display which I've seen anywhere in recent seasons because, writing this 12 hours after the full-time whistle, I'm still struggling to think of another which ranks alongside it.

Sat high up in the stand with elevation (where you can see everything that happens on the pitch), the Bradford City youngsters raised the bar from what I've seen from them already this season and demonstrated nearly everything you could wish for as they ruthlessly put Doncaster Rovers to the sword.

It was a performance to admire and even though they'll pick the bones and wonder where they can improve; testament to their own remarkably high standards, their football was magnificent at times.

In many respects, Rovers’ naive tactics to 'press high' and 'press constantly' just played straight into Bradford’s hands - thus allowing the hosts to open up, and then exploit, so much space to devastating effect on the massive Valley Parade pitch.

However, what Bradford did with the ball on multiple occasions was remarkable and their masterclass in movement, whether it be with or without the ball, saw them camped deep inside Rovers’ half from pretty much the first minute of the game until the final whistle.

Freddy Jeffreys (No.4) effortlessly pulled the strings and glided past opponents so many times, Bobby Pointon (No.7) was in torturous form with his trickery, Cole Roberts (No.9) glowed and provoked mayhem up front, whilst Charlie Wood (No.18), Louie Chorlton (No.2) and Oliver Norman (No.3) were outstanding as well.

Having wrapped up the North-East Youth Alliance title with their win at Grimsby Town exactly a month ago, this was an occasion to saviour under the Valley Parade lights.

Less than 10 minutes were on the clock when the first goal went in.

Most of Bradford's attacks came down the right flank where Bobby Pointon (the best player in the Youth Alliance this year; a big statement but I'd challenge others to name someone better) combined expertly with Louie Chorlton whose explosive bursts of pace saw him overlap on multiple occasions.

With Bradford's No.2 high up the pitch, he squared a dangerous low ball into the goalmouth which caught the slightest of deflections before it was emphatically smashed home by Cole Roberts who'd superbly peeled off the shoulder of his marker to find the space for a shot.

Straight from the re-start, the Bantams won the ball back and they quickly doubled their lead with a goal which had just as much style as the opener.

Harvey Rowe superbly floated a ball over Rovers' somewhat high backline (brought about due to the high press) and Pointon showed fine technique and intelligence out-maneuver Tom Parkinson with some silky footwork to get goal-side and latch onto it where he then knocked his first-time effort from just inside the box beyond the oncoming Luke Chadwick. It was an excellent finish!

At 2-0 with less than a quarter-of-an-hour gone, Bradford continued to dominate possession, pick up any loose balls and consistently work to create space which they aimed to exploit.

Even though the Bantams' individual quality was absolutely everywhere, one of the main instigators causing so much of the torment was Freddy Jeffreys.

He had a magnificent subtlety within his individual play and pulled the strings from midfield over and over again with a first touch and movement to open up his body and play the next pass which was unbelievable for someone so young. His passes almost always seemed to find a team-mate and when he brought the ball forward with a mazy run to the edge of the box against a back-peddling Rovers backline on 25 minutes, it resulted in a throw-in out on the right after Pointon saw a shot blocked.

Chorlton found Pointon with the subsequent short-throw and the ball was eventually worked into the area where Dylan Youmbi got hold of it and with a quick turn and low strike, via a slight deflection, he made it 3-0 and the celebrations commenced once more.

It had already reached the point where everyone amongst the crowd (and probably even the Rovers players themselves) were wondering just how many Bradford might score.

The Bantams almost made it 4-0 on the half-hour mark; this time the architect of destruction was Chorlton because his floated ball went straight to the feet of Charlie Wood who skewed his attempt narrowly wide. Both Roberts and Youmbi, searching for their second goals of the night, also had efforts blocked prior to half-time as the relentless pressure continued.

Barring a header from big centre-back Charlie Petch and a good Tom Henson cross, Rovers hadn't done much in an attacking sense during the first half and a change was made at the break which saw Corie Cole replaced by Owen Scattergood.

It didn't have too much of an impact, however, because the Bantams continued to dictate things and implement their ideas superbly in the second period. The way they went about it (by making numerous tiny things look so effortless) was simply brilliant.

Pointon almost turned from scorer to provider on 55 minutes with some clever movement and a pass inside for Oliver Norman who curled his effort narrowly over. 

The Bantams' playmaker was involved again as they finally made it 4-0 just before the hour mark as he unleashed a vicious 18-yard attempt which was blocked and dropped fortuitously for Roberts who was able to spin and smash the rebound into the net.

By now it most definitely was just a case of 'How Many?' for Bradford and with Roberts desperate to register his hat-trick, he did everything possible to grab that third goal only to now be thwarted by Rovers' big 'keeper who pulled off a string of impressive saves.

In what became a fascinating duel between the duo for a short period, Roberts thought his moment had arrived on 62 minutes thanks to some exquisite movement inside the box followed by a powerful goalbound strike. His shot was blocked and Chadwick pulled off another save just milli-seconds later (although he knew nothing about this one) when the ball ricocheted violently off a Rovers player from a separate attempt and hit him at speed on the goal-line. Less than a minute later, Roberts was denied again; this time from almost point-blank range as Chadwick somehow or another got in the way of a powerful rebound which seemed destined to ripple the net.

Bradford's pressure and intensity was absolutely relentless and by this point, simply by virtue of the performance level which Roberts was maintaining coupled with his style, flair and off-the-ball movement to get between defenders and into dangerous areas (which was absolutely quality), I was rooting for the lad to complete his hat-trick and get the matchball he could cherish forever.

On 73 minutes, his exemplary technique presented him with another opportunity and perhaps the most golden of all those which came his way whilst he was searching for his hat-trick.

Not dissimilar from Pointon's goal earlier on, it was a ball over the top by Norman which brought about the danger and with Roberts having peeled off the shoulder of his marker to get in-behind, he found himself clean through but Chadwick denied him and Youmbi's follow-up was also smothered.

Had it not been for Rovers' 'keeper by this point, the scoreline would have been similar to the massive wins the Bantams registered against Rotherham United (7-0) or even Mansfield Town (10-0) earlier in the season, but not even Chadwick could prevent the hosts from adding a fifth goal with 15 minutes to go.

Roberts was again involved and perhaps, despite all his qualities, his unselfishness during the build-up to this goal; working for the benefit of the team rather than himself (when he was still needing a goal for his hat-trick) was his best contribution. 

The danger initially came from the left as Jack Wilson cut inside and weaved one way and then another before cutting the ball back for Roberts who'd purposely held his run to lurk unmarked in a dangerous spot on the edge of the area. Despite the penalty box being packed with players, his first touch allowed the potential for a shot (and it'd have been easy to have one) but instead he slipped a beautiful disguised pass through towards Wood who beat the offside trap and slotted home.

On a night of quality play, it was just another fine example of brilliant football.

At this point, Rovers' players looked shattered and exhausted and the 'Take Me Home' words from Bradford's pre-match song probably summed up their thoughts; whereas the Bantams players in white shirts probably wished they could have stayed on 'Midland Road' playing this brand of football forever.

A couple more chances to add gloss to another big victory came and went in stoppage-time as Pointon let fly with a rasping attempt which whistled just an inch wide of the top corner whilst George Thewlis, who'd joined the party in the last 10 minutes, saw a well-struck effort saved.

The final whistle brought the curtain down on a brilliant season and its memories like this which, in years to come, every player in a Bradford shirt will remember fondly. 

Bradford City Thoughts

From their very first session in pre-season, they've worked hard to create something special TOGETHER over the past 10 months and it's testament to themselves, their attitude, their humble nature, the coaching and every single bit of the work that's gone into it.

As I said at the start, although Doncaster's tactics of 'high press' and 'constant press' played straight into their hands, this performance (certainly in terms of players expressing themselves positively) might just be the best that I've seen anywhere from a youth team in recent years, such was the quality on show.

You just have to applaud and admire good players and there's so many in this Bantams team! 

That's why when these players have had their careers at whatever level and they get back together for a team reunion in 2042 or whenever, straight away they'll be able to slip back into this moment, re-capture the emotions and feel that overwhelming sense of achievement at creating something special as if it were only yesterday. Any player, even the pros, who've been in that special environment will testify to that.

Cherish these moments. Cherish the photos (and show them to your kids in a few years). Cherish the medals forever and make sure you have a Nando's Team Night out to take it in!

My biggest hope for these lads in the here and now is the club gives them every opportunity possible to succeed because I doubt Bradford City will ever have such a talented crop together in the same moment and in the same place ever again. It's why they've set records this season; it's why they've been an absolute pleasure to watch on multiple occasions and that's why I'd regard them as probably the best Category 3/4 team which certainly I've ever seen.

There's so many likable facets to their blueprint; whether it be the way they pop the ball about in such a sumptuous style and retain possession, the way their players work relentlessly to win the ball and find space which they can exploit to devastating effect, or the way certain individuals move sharply in dangerous areas and then suddenly accelerate and explode into action. I can't recall one 'direct' aerial cross into the box during this game; everything was creative and a cut-back and it was pure football that was a joy to behold.

It's hard to single out players because there's so much talent so they all deserve a mention.

Bobby Pointon is phenomenal and players from other teams have said as much this season when I've spoken to them and that's perhaps the best compliment any player can get. For everything he did on the ball, his best contribution in this game was actually with about 10 minutes to go when Rovers nearly broke away and would have done so had he not tracked back and committed a foul near to the centre circle. It was a clever one to concede in the terms of a game situation and those aspects of the 'dark arts' will serve him very well in the future. Freddy Jeffreys is frightening with what he does (and how he does it) for his age; the guile, the movement, his short and long-range passes, his pass completion rate because he barely ever seems to misplace a pass. Just wow!

Then you've got Cole Roberts who has looked good out wide in other games and was brilliant with the intelligence and movement he showed as a No.9 in this game (and that first touch from the floated ball over the top in the latter stages; absolute quality).

There's also Harvey Rowe; a Rolls Royce of a skipper for this league and a good down to earth lad. Noah Wadsworth; who has excelled in other games to warrant his inclusion, then the full-backs of Louie Chorlton; complete with his excellent bursts of play and energy that he brings to the team, plus Oliver Norman; capable of unleashing so much danger with his deliveries and quality on the ball.

And that's not to mention Charlie Wood who shone on loan at Ossett Town and capped off this performance with a well-earned goal, Dylan Youmbi who also bagged and posed a significant threat and Jack Wilson who has a partiular edge and energy to his game and was involved in the last goal.

I'd love to write something about Heath Richardson as well from this game but the ball was barely near him and as a goalkeeper I half-suppose that's probably what you'd want in some respects.

Again, as I said at the start, when you're watching a game with elevation from the stands to see the whole pitch and the space and areas available, everything does get noticed - and lots of bits of this peformance was genuinely as good as anything I've seen anywhere in recent times.

So stay humble and keep working hard to improve, get better, and keep listening to your coaches because there's so much more you can achieve in football - and even if you experience dark moments of rejection or disappointment at some point in the future, remember this feeling now or even re-read this post to overcome that moment.

Collectively, you've all worked hard to achieve this moment and become the best so always believe in the unquestionable talent you all have!

Doncaster Rovers Thoughts

Even though this was the last game for the second-year scholars who'll now depart the club for this summer, I'll not judge any player in a DRFC shirt on this game!

I've got eyes and I could see for myself what went wrong - and coming up against such talented opponents who can zing the ball about left, right and centre, look comfortable under pressure and are used to dealing with the ball in tight pockets of space, even on top form in a 'contain' style of play, it'd have been difficult to stop a Bradford team in this form.

Luke Chadwick deserves a mention because he pulled off so many saves to keep the scoreline down; Michael Nesbitt actually did alright at right-back I thought (standing up his man in two or three separate instances including one where, if he'd not done so, it would have led to a goalscoring opportunity) whilst both Alex Wolny and Jack Goodman worked hard up top and tried their best to feed off the extremely few scraps they were provided with.

No player has anything to be embarrassed about.

These things happen (ask Rotherham and Mansfield) and the lads departing soon should always believe in themselves and now just embrace the future. It's the chance for a new start and a new opportunity at a new club, so go and grasp it with both hands, take what you can from your time at DRFC, and show people the players that you can be elsewhere.

I'll go into much more detail with a Youth Team Season Review which I'll write at some point before the end of this month.

But good luck lads and if there's anything I can help with then drop me a message anytime.