Worksop Town 4-0 Sheffield Wednesday (U21s)

Worksop Town 4-0 Sheffield Wednesday (U21s)

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 30th July 2024

This was a good night for Worksop Town as their experience, guile, know-how and physicality showed in this comfortable 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday’s U21s.

By no means are the Owls ‘light weights’ at U21 level. Several of their players stand at over 6ft and they’ve got more to them than other teams in the Professional Development League who they’ll face this season, but they simply couldn’t contain a Tigers team who were ruthless all over the pitch whether it be Luke Shiels and Hamza Bencherif who were dominant in defence and won everything, Tommy Taylor who was solid in goal to keep a clean-sheet, Vaughan Redford who bagged two goals and put a right shift in, Jordan Burrow who got one, Dan Bramall who always adds a touch of flair and a creative spark, or Luke Hall who ran himself into the ground and had a very good game against his old employers.

It was really comprehensive and dominant by Worksop and Wednesday's young lads will go away knowing they were in a right old battle but having learned so much, which is the most important thing they can take away from this experience.

After a delay to kick-off on the hottest day of the year so far, Worksop were aggressive in their approach early on as they got at Sheffield Wednesday and sought to make a breakthrough and after a couple of early openings, the goal finally arrived from the penalty spot on 15 minutes. Luke Hall was knocked over inside the box by Gabriel Otegbayo; it looked soft but there was contact and Redford dispatched the penalty.

Wednesday had flashes where they looked alright and had a couple of early openings including one where the trialist played a heavy pass back across goal into the path of Devlan Moses who couldn’t get it on target. 

And around the half-hour mark it was 2-0 to Worksop with the Tigers’ second goal coming as Vaughan Redford accelerated into space inside the box and eventually struck the ball past a grounded Jack Hall.

Wednesday’s best player in the U21s is usually Rio Shipston and whilst he was tidy in possession when he did have the ball (notably when he turned away from pressure on the edge of his own box very well at 0-0 in the early stages), the Owls struggled in general to get Shipston on the ball all that much which meant he couldn’t impact the game and became a bit frustrated with how things were going.

So instead, the Owls best player on the night was Bruno Fernandes and just before half-time he had a couple of involvements as the Wednesday sought to pull one back - the first being a good run and some jinking fleet-footed movement in which he caught a glimpse of goal and hit a thunderous shot against the upright and the second being where he jinked his way along the byline and pulled the ball back across goal but nobody was there to turn it home.

Wednesday lost Gui Siqueira to injury just before half-time and in the second half, the game continued along the same lines as to how the opening 45 minutes had panned out with Worksop on top, looking dominant, aggressive, and using their know-how and experience to really good effect.

Two more goals followed, both in pretty quick succession, either side of the hour mark.

Jordan Burrow headed home at the near-post to make it 3-0 (one of the simplest goals he’ll ever score as he was about two yards out when he powered home the header) with Luke Hall claiming the assis and then a couple of minutes later it was 4-0 as somebody in a Tigers shirt brilliantly turned and span away from Rio Shipston just inside the Owls half and played a pass to Dan Bramall who showed his composure with a classy finish.

Although Wednesday were well-beaten by now and it looked at this point they might concede a few more, they didn’t cave in and it remained 4-0. 

They hit the woodwork again as they sought to add a consolation, their pressing/effort was good with Tommy Taylor being forced to hurriedly clear the ball under pressure a few times, and in all honesty they probably deserved something to show for their efforts. But they just came up against a very good Worksop team who were strong in all areas and look as if they’re going to be a force to be reckoned with at Step 3 level this season.

Some Owls players did better than others, as you’d expect, but the one thing all the lads can take away from this game is they’ll be better players for this experience. The physicality, the intensity, the ‘in your face’ nature of the game, how tough it was at times - that’s how you learn, that’s how you get better and if everything was always rosy and smooth and easy, then there wouldn’t be any development happening. So they shouldn’t beat themselves up too much and just need to take this one on the chin.

The three best players in Wednesday shirts were probably Mackenzie Maltby (the best of all their defenders), Bruno Fernandes (direct and good with the ball at his feet) and Jay Buchan (impressive work-rate and energy which stands out a mile), whilst Jack Hall in goal had a decent enough game too (nothing he could do about any of the goals and his kicking was clean, distribution good and long, with his quick-releasing of the ball being a good tactic in helping to get his team up the pitch).

Mackenzie Maltby played out from the back a few times, relished the physicality and was also comfortable on the ball and bringing it out from the back. All positive traits and he’s going to be a good defender because he’s got so many good attributes for his age.

Jay Buchan showed a bite and tenacity which is needed in football so much (especially at non-league level) in his two periods of 30 minutes on the pitch and made a brilliant contribution in the first half where he nipped the ball off the toes of the Worksop attacker with a vital interception (showed his reading of the game) then less than 30 seconds later, he was pressing the Worksop ‘keeper trying to make something happen at the other end of the pitch. Top work, top application and he’s the type of lad who’ll run all day for you and put a shift in and that type of work doesn’t go unnoticed. 

And Bruno Fernandes was Wednesday’s best goal threat. Quick, nimble, slight in physique, and he showed good technique various times; reacting well to things inside the box and being a dangerous threat to the Worksop defence. The ball sticks to his feet reasonably well when he’s running at people and in the second half, he was also trying to make something happen by dropping back and making himself available for a pass to get on the ball. He’s at the younger end of the Owls’ U21s group but has bags of ability and I’m looking forward to watching him in the Professional Development League this season where I’ve got a feeling he’ll do well and get plenty of goals to show for his efforts. Can see it coming and I wouldn’t be surprised now if he ends up being Wednesday’s top talisman in 9-10 months time.

Overall, a worthwhile game to watch. Plenty learned (always the objective) and a good night out - if only the weather could stick around for a bit longer.

Gainsborough Trinity 0-1 Sheffield United (U21s)

Gainsborough Trinity 0-1 Sheffield United (U21s)

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 27th July 2024

Sheffield United’s U23s will go away from this game and really feel the benefit from it as Riley McLachlan’s goal gave them a 1-0 win at Gainsborough Trinity.

The decisive moment came only 60 seconds from half-time; McLachlan being in the right place at the right time inside the area to steer home a low ball in from the left by Marshall Francis who claimed the assist, before then the second half proved to be a real ‘backs to the wall’ performance and a test of game management as the centre-back trio of Levis Pitan, Dovy Sasnauskas and Zain Tahir showed resilience under pressure to ensure they kept a clean-sheet.

And the best thing about this game is that, unlike Hull City’s U21s game against North Ferriby on Wednesday - where the tempo was a bit tepid, a bit lethargic and it was all a bit too predictable and very boring with lots of playing around at the back and ‘pointless possession’ - this game had none of that.

From the first minute where Gainsborough pressed well and got in the faces of the Blades youngsters, there was a good intensity. There was a desire. There was a willingness. There was lots of bits of needle and physical aspects; Jack Waldron took a boot to the head in the first half, Jili Buyabu was clattered a few times, Jevan Beattie got a whack when he came on - and if these youngsters want to have any chance of forging a career, this game is an eye-opening reality of what to expect. It’s not always nice, it’s not always comfortable, it can be hard and gritty at times, it can be like this game where concentration and focus is required so much to prevent mistakes, and it speaks volumes of the Sheffield United team’s ability that they overcame all that and still achieved a 1-0 win.

They can feel proud of themselves; just as much as Gainsborough can be proud of their own performance - lots of desire, lots of intensity, lots of adrenaline, a few openings, but just that final ball, and that final chance, that they couldn’t get right to get a result.

For me, this was my first chance to watch the Blades’ U21s this season and with several familiar faces from Micky Collins’ U21s absent and supplementing the first team squad who were playing away at Rotherham United at the same time (Sydie Peck, Louie Marsh and Owen Hampson amongst the contingent), it paved the way for some new faces to be on show.

Recent signing Henry Molyneux started between the sticks; Jack Waldron at right-wing-back, a central defensive trio of Levis Pitan, Dovydas Sasnauskas and Zaih Tahir, with Jili Buyabu at left-wing-back. Evan Easton and Sam Aston (sporting the heaviest leg strapping I’ve ever seen) were in the midfield, with Ethan Cummings on the right, Marshall Francis on the left and Riley McLachlan in the No.9 shirt through the middle.

Although the intensity was there from the first minute - Gainsborough pressing to make life difficult for the Blades youngsters (especially when they had time on the ball), there weren’t too many chances at either end during the first 45 minutes.

Evan Easton (skippering the team) is someone I’ve always enjoyed watching and one of his trademark bits of quality distribution nearly led to an opener as he floated a great 40-yard ball through the middle for Riley McLachlan to run onto and although the 16-year-old beat Gainsborough ‘keeper Josh Render to it and rounded him upon entering the box, there were enough covering defenders to stop the danger as the chance came to pass.

Trinity’s best opening at the other end came not long before the half-hour mark when a well-worked free-kick routine saw the ball moved out wide; Declan Howe to Joe Stacey who then crossed perfectly into the area where an unmarked Dylan Cogill planted a free header wide of the target.

The game remained really competitive; Jack Waldron putting his head where it hurts and taking a bang as he bravely defended under pressure inside the Blades’ box on 42 minutes and then just before half-time came the opener.

Evan Easton had the ball in the middle, and although there was an option to knock the ball out to the right where there was a 2-on-1 scenario in United’s favour, Easton instead sprayed a lovely pass out to the left and when Marshall Francis played it across the goalmouth, McLachlan was there gambling and managed to steer it home to put the Blades 1-0 up.

The second half then proved to be a case of the Sheffield United boys defending doggedly at certain times in order to protect that 1-0 lead and making sure they were resolute, coupled with some bits of luck and good fortune which helped them on their way.

By and large, despite the desire and effort being there along with plenty of possession as the Blades were pushed onto the back-foot, Gainsborough’s chances were limited.

One shot was curled narrowly wide from the edge of the ‘D’ on the hour mark, about 10-15 minutes later there was another opportunity when Trinity got the ball inside the box and overcooked it slightly; Declan Howe being forced wide before he could unleash a shot. Bailey Conway also had a penalty appeal quite firmly waved away when he went to ground under a challenge by Evan Easton. 

Elsewhere, amidst a bombardment of crosses at times and even a long-throw which was almost ‘too good’ as it missed everywhere, Levis Pitan had some good grapples with Declan Howe as he tried to contain the threat of last season’s top scorer in the Northern Premier League. And coupled with Dovy Sasnauskas winning everything in the air, Zain Tahir being firm and Henry Molyneux (amongst others) being a good presence in the net - handling well and showing some good bits of game-management to take his time and slow things down, Trinity just couldn’t get an equaliser.

There were three yellow cards for Gainsborough; Jordan Helliwell, Declan Howe and Bailey Conway all going into the referee’s notebook. It was gritty, it was a battle, it was ‘roll your sleeves up, deal with it and get on with it type stuff’ - as Jevan Beattie and Jili Buyabu found out when they got bangs in possession and when that full-time whistle eventually sounded, there’s no doubt the youngsters in red and white shirts will have come off that pitch knowing they’d had to work hard to achieve that win. 

And they’ve got lots to be proud about; it wasn’t always pretty but it’s in these types of games where you learn so much about yourselves.

Individually, the whole Sheffield United backline deserve credit.

It was the first time I’ve seen Henry Molyneux; can’t fault his kicking, handling was good and he added those important bits of game-management at times in both halves (taking his time, sitting on the ball, slowing things down, etc) which were valuable - especially in the latter stages when there were a few heavy legs and pressure needed to be taken off. Good performance.

The whole back three were strong as a unit; Levis Pitan relishing the physical duels and tangles and grapples with Declan Howe - using his strength well and showing his pace where he sprinted back and outpaced the Gainsborough man in the first half. Zain Tahir was steady and solid and Dovy Sasnauskas (a regular in this team despite being 17) was class yet again and a pleasure to watch. Strong in the air where he just won everything, solid positionally and he’s a very, very good defender with plenty of strengths.

Jili Buyabu offered him usual speed and sharpness and twinkle-toed footwork out on the left; Jack Waldron couldn’t be faulted for his application at right-wing-back and was solid defensively, put his body on the line a couple of times and also offered bits going forward.

Sam Aston and Evan Easton (more on him below) were good in the middle; lots of running and lots of effort and Evan’s distribution being phenomenal at times as he just pings the ball like a work of art over long-range, and just really adds so much quality/assuredness in how he sets about it.

There were a couple of times where Marshall Francis got caught on the ball by virtue of just not releasing it quickly enough or being sloppy, but the positions he gets into and the threat he offers, plus his touch and technique, is decent and it’s just reward for him that he claimed the assist. Ethan Cummings was steady; not many stand-out moments but involved in a few bits before he was replaced by Jevan Beattie who has a big frame, seems like a proper good lad with good ability and I’m looking forward to watching him more as the season progresses.

And I can’t speak well enough about Riley McLachlan. This was the first time I’ve watched him but he created a good impression; small, stocky, took his goal well (and good that he gambles and gets into those positions to stick it away) but the most impressive trait was his willingness as he dropped back deep at least twice which I counted (possibly more) into his own half to get on the ball and help move the play on. Very good and those traits are so valuable; something I’ve seen Sam Aston do in the past (and I like) but for Riley to do it as the youngest player on the pitch, at only 16, and put in so much work-rate and score the match-winner too - apparently the second one he’s got in two games, he deserves all the praise.

Lastly though… Evan Easton!

Top player. No surprise he was captain because he’s got all the qualities you’d look for in a leader anyway, and across the entire Professional Development League last season, he probably ranked as the best CB/CDM anywhere. His distribution and passing range always stands out - the floated ball that half-put Riley McLachlan in during the first half being one of 2-3 very good ones in this game, but other aspects of his game were good. He added calmness/composure in CDM, he was strong and good on the ball (turning well under pressure at times and relishing his battles), he used his height effectively - being 6ft2 will help him in his career, he set the move in motion for the goal too. He helped the team and the leadership aspect was there - noticeably towards the end of the second half when (I think) Riley McLachlan played a pass back to Sam Aston, and Evan raised his hands and gave him a little clap in appreciation for it. Evan had a slight ‘lull’ for five minutes early in the second half when the Blades team as a whole came out a bit quiet and, like everyone else with the workload/intensity of the game, I’ve got no doubt he was feeling tired and leggy late on, but he rolled his sleeves up, grafted, dug in, was aggressive when he had to be, has that quality with his movement and style and ability, and he helped the boys massively in achieving this win. 

This would have been Evan’s first 90 minutes in ages too and I can’t speak positively enough. Some people might argue ‘It’s only Gainsborough’ but you’ve got to remember his quality was also there throughout the whole of last year in the PDL when he showed the same characteristics. And when I watch 100-150 games each season, I’m able to compare players against each other and when you see class you appreciate it massively.

Now 19, coming up for 20, I expect he’ll go out on loan this season and if that happens then whoever gets him is going to get a gem of a player with a good attitude (most importantly) who can use both feet, is effective - whether it be at CDM or as a CB, has an undertone of hard aggression with how he sets about things, will give 100%, and he’s honestly one of the most impressive about at U21s level.

Top player! Keep it up! And whatever happens... good luck with things!

Finally… do spare a thought for the young kid in the Main Stand who was walking back to his seat early in the first half, minding his own business, and got clonked by the ball when it bounced into the stand and off something straight into his path. 

I hope the little man’s alright and someone replaced his Cherryade that went everywhere!

North Ferriby 0-1 Hull City (U21s)

North Ferriby 0-1 Hull City (U21s)

Pre-Season Friendly

Wednesday 24th July 2024

Sam Opoku’s very late goal gave Hull City’s U21s a narrow win - and with it the Billy Bly Memorial Trophy - in this game against North Ferriby.

In honesty, it wasn’t a classic and although Ben Bottomley pulled off three or four decent saves (mostly in the second half) to keep Ferriby at 0-0 until the 88th minute, some of the football at times was tepid, tedious and typically what you’d expect at U21s level - and a stalemate seemed inevitable for ages until Sam Opoku pounced and then sprinted off towards the corner flag for an extravagant celebration.

The game was very cagey but the first 45 minutes especially so. 

Ferriby didn’t offer too much in attack and they were nullified by Hull’s backline who spent large parts of the first half stroking the ball around at the back - going from side to side very frequently, with little movement higher up the pitch enabling them to get any positive moves going. They had lots of possession but… pointless possession! 

You aren’t going to hurt the opposition playing the ball around inside your own half for long spells and probably a fair comment is that Callum Yam (in goal for Hull) had more touches of the ball than all of Hull’s attacking players combined, yet he didn’t have a save to make.

There were only two chances of note up to half-time; one where Hull’s No.11 trialist (who wasn’t bad) had a shot which Ben Bottomley saved before Henry Sandat hit the post on the rebound after about 20 minutes, and then closer to half-time when George Dickinson’s corner was headed goalwards by Lucas Dawson but a stretching Ben Bottomley was there to make a save.

After a slow start to the second half, Hull gradually got going a bit and started to move the ball around inside their opponents half and push North Ferriby back which eventually culminated in a few chances as they started to make inroads.

Just before the hour mark Lucas Dawson was denied again by Ben Bottomley; this time as the young striker smashed the ball goalwards from about eight yards but the big ‘keeper smothered it. A couple of other Hull chances went begging when they ought to have been put on target at the very least, George Dickinson also dragged a low shot wide when he caught a glimpse of goal on the edge of the box and looked for an opener, Bottomley was in the thick of the action again when he collided with Henry Sandat in an incident where the Hull striker was racing through and the linesman was late raising his flag but… still it remained 0-0.

Hull were certainly better after half-time (possibly a sign of their fitness levels due to being in a full-time training environment in comparison to North Ferriby) and in the 88th minute the goal came for the Tigers as Jaedyn Chibanga’s low ball in from the left was tucked home by Samuel Opoku who then produced one of the most exuberant celebrations I’ve ever seen in a pre-season game as he sprinted off towards the corner flag at full pelt.

Overall though, a poor game - it won’t live long in the memory, and there wasn’t too much meat to chew from the bone. Hull moved the ball well but they needed more intensity, more movement and more runs at times higher up the pitch (especially in the first half) where it was all a bit too pedestrian and like a mannequin challenge.

Individually, not much to shout about but George Dickinson, Alfie Taylor and Jake Leake were probably the stand-outs, with Ben Bottomley - simply by virtue of the fact he made some saves, being the Man Of The Match for North Ferriby.

George Dickinson wore both the No.4 shirt and the captain’s armband. He had lots of touches, was able to see the whole game infront of him from where he was playing and his passing was decent; spraying the ball about calmly and competently and trying to get some moves going. He also showed little bits of leadership; talking to others and demanding more when it was needed a few times which was good. He had a shot in the second half where he dragged it wide (just a few seconds after a little opening where he could have ‘wellied it’ on the volley from 20 yards but chose not to) and playing like this, with his confidence back, he’ll add something to this team. I’ve liked watching him in the past and he’s a decent player - and above everything it’s good to see him enjoying his football again after a frustrating time at Sheffield United last season where he didn’t really feature for their U21s.

Elsewhere, Alfie Taylor had a steady game at the back. Not vast amounts to do (one of those nights), but one where he did enough to underline his value and as a left-footed centre-back he’s as good as anyone in the ‘Young LCB’ category at U21s level, not bad in the air either, and can spray some fantastic long-range passes about (distribution being amongst his best strengths). Watching 100+ games per season, you learn to back your own judgements on players, and I just can’t help but feel that he needs a loan right now because given his height (6ft5) and his playing-traits - especially his distribution, that will be appreciated in the real world of first team football and testing himself in a gritty, rough and ready environment, it’ll bring him on a lot. And if he gets a season of 30-40 games then it’s only going to make him a better defender and drive his standards higher and improve him even more.

Very similar can be said of Jake Leake who was solid at the back and made a few good contributions and, similar to Alfie Taylor, the positive things you look for in a Centre-Back were easy to spot with him too.

Amongst the others; Hull’s No.11 (Trialist) was sharp and lively, clearly wanted to make a good impression and that effort/energy stood out as he tried to run at people and cause problems - notably the shot in the first half. Noah Wadsworth was steady playing at RWB and took a good whack in the air in the last couple of minutes (good to toughen him up). Having watched him at Bradford City in the U18s - where I’ve always said he was one of the best defenders in that league, he was often used as a Centre-Back, so it’ll be interesting to see where Hull play him. 

Pharrell Brown made a good impression when he came on in the first half - tracking back to win the ball well, some good bits of out-of-possession work, and then having a run and basically just showing some movement and intensity when everyone else was static. That stood out and was impressive. Jaedyn Chibanga will be pleased with his assist; offered good technique a few times, although there were a couple of occasions where he was needlessly caught offside so that’s his area for improvement along with a few others.

Gainsborough Trinity 3-3 Barnsley (U21s)

Gainsborough Trinity 3-3 Barnsley (U21s)

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 23rd July 2024

Six goals, a hat-trick from Dec Howe and a last-gasp penalty by Josiah Dyer to snatch something to show for their efforts for Barnsley.

This was an entertaining pre-season affair under the floodlights at the Northolme as Gainsborough Trinity and Barnsley’s U21s played out a 3-3 draw.

The Reds came out of the traps flying; pressing high, playing at a good tempo and just getting at Gainsborough early on and after just three minutes they took the lead when Hayden Pickard was direct with his run and showed good feet on the edge of the box and laid a ball into the path of Isaac Brown who slammed the ball past Ollie Battersby.

Battersby stopped Barnsley from going 2-0 up as he made a save within a minute of that opener but after a solid first 20-25 minutes by the visitors - and Gainsborough losing Edwin Essel to injury, the hosts eventually got a foothold, got on top and started to create some problems down at the other end with Dec Howe forcing a save from Kieran Flavell after dispossessing (I think) Bayley McCann and Flavell was forced into a few other saves to ensure the Reds were still 1-0 up at the interval.

Connor BARRATT (not to be confused with Conner BARRETT who also plays football and was at AFC Fylde last year) replaced Nathan James as a half-time substitute for Barnsley and just before Gainsborough made six changes themselves on the hour mark, they found an equaliser. Kieran Flavell was sold short with a sloppy back-pass and Dec Howe, like every good striker, nipped in to pounce and take the ball around Flavell and make it 1-1.

With so many new faces on the pitch for Gainsborough - and with Barnsley possibly reeling from having conceded, the hosts (in pink shirts) upped the ante and soon turned things around completely.

The second goal was pretty similar to the first. This time a ball over the top went into the gap between the Barnsley defenders and ‘keeper. Dec Howe (always playing off the shoulder spotted the potential opportunity) and with Kieran Flavell coming off his line and outside his box, he lost the footrace with Dec who took it round him and slotted home from a similarly tight angle.

And Gainsborough then very quickly made it 3-1 with Dec Howe completing his hat-trick after someone (can’t remember who) was afforded time on the ball to drive at the Barnsley defence and slot a ball through to Howe who was in yards of space inside the box and made absolutely no mistake with the finish.

At 3-1, it looked as if Russ Wilcox’s team might have wrapped things up but Barnsley had other ideas.

Around 10 minutes from full-time, they pulled one back when Charlie Hickingbottom was in the right place at the right time inside the Gainsborough box to convert on the back of a tidy free-kick routine in which Barnsley played the ball from left to right and kept it on the ground with Harrison Nejman involved somewhere in the move.

Then, with the very last-kick of the game, they equalised. Dylan Cogill was judged to have fouled Josiah Dyer inside the box (even though it looked the opposite to begin with and as if Dyer had fouled Cogill first instead) but Barnsley’s big 6ft5 centre-forward stepped up and slammed the ball home to make it 3-3 with the final whistle sounding two seconds later.

In a league game, Gainsborough will probably have been furious that the referee awarded that spot-kick and although both teams will be pleased with their finishing - nobody more so than Dec Howe (albeit I doubt he’ll be taking home a matchball with it only being a pre-season game), both teams will also no doubt harbour some frustrations about the defending for the goals they conceded too. It was one of those nights.

Individually, quite a few players made good impressions for Barnsley. 

Josiah Dyer was a handful, used his frame well, even showed good technique early in the first half to bring the ball down and turn his man (surprised me in a really positive way), and his presence on the pitch contributed directly to the late, late equaliser. Exactly what you want in a target man and exactly how he can get you something from a game when you need it most.

Theo Chapman was sharp and lively at times when it came to running at his man. Harrison Nejman picked up lots of bits and pieces in midfield, was decent - one of his better games where he affected the play. Hayden Pickard made some good contributions, was very good in the first half, and is continuing to grow on me after a solid 2023/24 season. He got a good assist with the early run, took up some good positions on the left - including where he lashed a shot wide in the second half, and he’s looking more aggressive than previously, physically filling out well too, and is demonstrating some good traits within his game.

At the other end, Nathan James (in the middle of a back three - dropping in and wearing the No.4 shirt) had a good 45 minutes for Barnsley where he won lots in the air and was dominant, whilst Charlie Hickingbottom (on the right of a back three) showed all his usual qualities, got a goal and his best contribution was smashing a ball out the ground when under pressure in the first half - thus stopping Gainsborough from having a quick-throw. Intelligent. Stifling the game which was needed in that moment (buying a few seconds to recover shape) and from watching him 5-10 times over the past season and in this game too, he’s got all the characteristics to make a good defender; solid, strong, application and attitude that can’t be faulted. He talks sensibly and communicates rather than losing his head (very noticeable) and now a second-year pro, it’ll be interesting to see how he performs once he inevitably steps into men’s football and goes out on loan at some point.

Kieran Flavell, between the posts, for Barnsley was alright again too. Clean kicking, good handling from crosses, at 6ft5 he properly fills the goal - he lost the foot-race for the second goal when Dec Howe was chasing the ball and he’ll be gutted about that one, but it was another competent and decent performance by Flavell where he made saves to keep the Reds in the game at times, and it backed up a strong finish to last season where he was impressive - especially in this game against Burnley’s U21s. Definitely a good ‘keeper, left-footed as well, and one of the better ones out there in the young ‘keeper category.

And amongst the substitutes, Callum West (who I think was at Burnley last season) looked decent down the left-hand side; quick, sharp, posed a few problems and generally quite lively. I’m looking forward to watching him again at some point because as first impressions go, he wasn’t bad and offered flashes and bits of skill and some good traits.

So overall, a decent night… and very interesting that the sprinkler in the corner of the ground was suddenly activated midway through the second half. 

If only someone had been taking a corner at the time!

Bamber Bridge (Reserves) 0-3 Hearts B

Bamber Bridge (Reserves) 0-3 Hearts B

Pre-Season Friendly

Sunday 21st July 2024

Over the past few years, it’s often been a pleasure to watch the Hearts B Team and this is one of those games which I’m so pleased I made the decision to go to because the lads were absolutely dominant, looked class in periods, and played some quality football in this 3-0 win over Bamber Bridge Reserves.

It was so good to watch!

Going into this game with four pre-season wins out of four - those being a 10-0 success at Vale Of Leithen, that 5-2 victory over Kelty Hearts (undoubtedly the highlight), a 3-1 triumph at Whitehall Welfare and then Friday’s behind-closed-doors 2-1 success over Burnley U21s, there was never really a doubt that the boys in maroon would complete a 100% pre-season campaign and win this game once they went ahead thanks to Mack Ross’ goal on the half-hour mark.

It’s a game Mack Ross will remember for years because he actually put the ball in the net five times in total (albeit three were ruled out for offside) on an afternoon when the flag was raised so many times it felt unbelievable. Thankfully though two counted. 

Matty Gillies scored the other with a goal that was genuinely the best I’ve seen anywhere up to now this season (apparently it was a carbon copy of his finish against Kelty Hearts). Dom Plank was brilliant, and watching him play for the first time; what a phenomenal player he looks - such a good first impression and I can’t speak highly enough of how stylish and smooth he was in just making things look effortless. Superb!

Adam Forrester was class and offered lots of quality on the overlap and with the ball at his feet, Kai Smutek (or ‘Kia’ according to the kid on the PA system) was tidy at the back and distributed the ball well - showing good technique, Charlie Sanders and Callen Robb were both good when they came on in the second half, Owen Muirhead did some good things really well and used his physique well (positive and noticeable and appreciate that), the No.16 put a shift in and won the penalty, Ryan Duncan nearly scored, Bobby McLuckie got an assist (as he often does), Lucas Smith got more involved as things progressed, there were clean-sheets for the two ‘keepers who featured, and just right throughout the team there was an evident enthusiasm with how the lads set about stuff, there was a flair, there was a style, the shielding of the ball in tight spaces and under pressure was impressive at times, the pressing was good, the ball movement, rotations, player-movement, work-rate and effortlessness of it all was of a very high standard and the boys were comfortably the best team.

With this being Bamber Bridge’s newly-formed ‘Reserves’ I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I rocked up at Irongate (or the SFC Stadium as it’s officially called nowadays) but from the first few minutes of the game, the Wee Jambos looked good as they set about their business.

Dom Plank immediately caught the eye with his drive down the right flank and willingness to take on (and often beat) his man, plus his touch and movement and technique which was very impressive. He looked stylish and silky and he had Hearts first chance with a shot that he whipped just over the upright, before a second attempt drew a save from the Bamber Bridge ‘keeper a few minutes later.

Plank’s link-up play with Adam Forrester, donning the captain’s armband and constantly overlapping and posing a threat down the right-hand side, was of a really high standard and the understanding between the pair looks good already.

And having had lots of early possession, the boys finally thought they’d made a breakthrough on the quarter-hour mark when Matty Gillies (who also shielded the ball impressively at times amongst all the other things) slotted a delightful low pass through to Mack Ross who looked to have timed his run well before he dinked the ball over the ‘keeper, but just as he was about to celebrate, he spotted the flag. 

Offside. No Goal… and something that would become an all too familiar story as the afternoon progressed.

After more pressure and intensity and positive play inside Bamber Bridge’s half - with several players getting on the ball and showing what they can do, Mack Ross then put the ball in the net for the second time around 10 minutes later; Adam Forrester’s dazzling footwork being the architect but, again, the flag was up for offside! 

Bamber Bridge didn’t offer too much at the other end which tested Hearts’ trialist ‘keeper - albeit there was a scary moment when a long-throw into the box was flicked on and had to be scrambled away, but it didn’t remain 0-0 for much longer after that as just before the half-hour mark the opening goal came as Bobby McLuckie did well on the left and cut the ball back perfectly from inside the box for Mack Ross (way behind the defenders this time) who slammed his shot past the ‘keeper and into the net for a very tidy finish.

Now FINALLY ahead, the goal gave Hearts even more confidence as they pressed for a second. Matty Gillies nearly got in-behind when he timed his run well but a ball over the top just ran through to the ‘keeper as he attempted to chase it down, Mack Ross was denied after the ‘keeper came outside his area and blocked a shot with his body in a one-on-one (not sure who put the ball through but what a great and intelligent ball that was), chief tormentor Dom Plank continued to look a major threat and the right and had a couple of efforts as well.

You sensed a second goal was coming and when it did happen, WHAT A GOAL it was!

Step-forward Matty Gillies… because with Bamber Bridge on the back foot, the big man got the ball about 30 yards in a central position, initially beat his man, carried it a few yards, then knocked it past another to open up a shooting angle from about 20 yards.

I could see him getting excited because the opportunity was very much there for him to put his foot through one and absolutely smash the ball. You knew he was going to let fly (and I’ve got to admit that I was fearing poor old Rita in the clubhouse behind the goal was potentially about to get walloped), but I shouldn’t have been concerned because Matty Gillies’ strike was as sumptuous as it was stylish as it was superb. The ball flew at bullet speed, ricocheted off the right-hand post and into the opposite corner and the quality of it was absolutely phenomenal.

So good. So impressive. Worth every bit of the praise and as he turned away and raised his chest, you knew he was buzzing with himself for what he’d just produced and very, very proud of it too. What. A. Goal. And what technique by the big lad!

That strike by Matty Gillies proved to be more or less his last contribution because he came off at half-time along with Owen Muirhead, which started the process of getting minutes into those players who’d been named amongst the substitutes and they were drip-fed into proceedings throughout the second period.

Initially after the re-start, Bamber Bridge had a spell where they posed a few questions and gave Hearts’ trialist ‘keeper some work to do, but by the hour mark Hearts had settled themselves down a bit and found their rhythm again with Ryan Duncan going close with a free-kick that needed to be tipped over before another shot (can’t recall who from) also forced the home ‘keeper into another save.

Dom Plank was still on the pitch at this point; strutting around stylishly and causing all kinds of problems for Bamber Bridge with his sharpness and before he was replaced by Callum Sandilands, he nearly made it 3-0 when he nicked the ball off a defender who was sliding in on the edge of his own box, got it out of his feet quickly and very instinctively unleashed a delicious dink that clipped the crossbar and bounced back into play. So unlucky. Mack Ross was on hand to head home the rebound but, yet again, the flag was up and the goal wouldn’t count… thus completing his hat-trick of disallowed goals.

Luckily for Mack Ross, he did score another ‘legitimate’ goal before the afternoon was up. 

Hearts No.16 (listed as a trialist on the team-sheet but who I think might have been Henry Lister who was announced as a signing a month ago) was fouled inside the box as he looked to unleash a shot from close to the byline. A definite penalty and as Callum Sandilands stepped forward, then possibly had flashbacks to that cup game at Brechin City last year, he left the spot-kick duties to Mack Ross who sent the ‘keeper the opposite way.

Hearts had other opportunities to add more goals. Charlie Sanders was decent when he came on by adding guile and quality and he went close as the ‘keeper was forced into a save in injury-time, but 3-0 is ultimately what it ended up.

The result was thoroughly deserved and as I said right at the start of this piece, I’m so glad I made the decision to go to this game, because the enthusiasm, the quality, the willingness from so many players to be positive and get at people, the ball-movement and lots of little good facets, it was so refreshing - and playing like this it’s no surprise the boys have got a 100% record in pre-season with five wins from five and 23 goals scored in the process.

A special mention again for Dom Plank because that was genuinely the best first-impression I’ve had watching a Hearts player at B Team/Youth level since Callum Sandilands bossed a game in the Scottish Youth Cup in 2021 when the U18s popped East Kilbride. So many good things about Dom’s game; so stylish and tidy with such a desire to take people on that stood out a mile, and if he keeps playing like that every week then he’s going to be a fantastic addition to the squad.

Genuinely a privilege to watch him, be able to witness that goal from Matty Gillies too (and he’ll still be grinning about it now), watch Adam Forrester who was really decent, and also be able to store this one in the memory bank and remind Mack Ross about it in a few years when he’s having his career. He deserved a hat-trick… just not a hat-trick of disallowed goals. At least one of them must have been onside (and the linesmen were raising their flags regularly) but you couldn’t fault how clinical he was in actually putting the ball in the net anyway.

So well done again lads! I’ll get to as many games as I can get to this season; not always easy living down south, but keep playing with such style and you’ll go far.

A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and a pleasure to relive the game in writing this piece too.

Team: Trialist, Lucas Smith, Kai (not Kia) Smutek, Bobby McLuckie, Ryan Duncan, Dom Plank, Matty Gillies, Mack Ross, Trialist, Adam Forrester, Owen Muirhead. Subs: Jack Lyon, Kenzi Nair, Callum Sandilands, Gregor Crookston, Luke Rathie, Alfie Osborne, Callen Robb, Charlie Sanders.