Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 5-1 Hartlepool United (U18s)

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 5-1 Hartlepool United (U18s)

EFL Youth Alliance

Saturday 13th August 2022

This was the kind of emphatic start to the new season which Rovers’ youngsters would have dreamed about as they ripped apart Hartlepool United in their EFL Youth Alliance opener at Cantley Park.

Playing at a high-tempo with a high intensity and seizing the initiative from literally the first whistle in what were sweltering temperatures, Rovers looked organised, slick, sharp and dangerous every time they broke forward during the early stages with Ethan Harrison and Will Green both scoring to make it 2-0 inside only four minutes. 

Jack Goodman added a third just prior to half-time to essentially put the result beyond doubt, and then claimed another midway through the second period, before Green made it 5-0 with a curling ‘beauty’ from the edge of the area which should be a contender for the next ‘Goal Of The Month’ award.

Hartlepool’s consolation on what was an otherwise drab occasion for them, came courtesy of the penalty spot during the latter stages.

With Rovers looking to improve on last season’s mid-table finish in the North-East Division, new youth team manager Chad Gribble installed Jak Whiting as his skipper for this game whilst there was also a surprise inclusion for U16s midfielder Sam Brown (who did very well on his first start).

Straight from kick-off, Rovers looked sharper and by far the more threatening team and with just over a minute on the clock, the high tempo paid dividends. Goodman was heavily involved as he closed down the Poolies ‘keeper and subsequently got in the way of his attempted clearance with the ball ricocheting straight towards Harrison who was able to poke it into an empty net from six yards.

A one-goal lead quickly became a 2-0 cushion for Rovers because in the very next attack Green received possession on the edge of the area and instinctively, he looked up and unleashed a curling effort from his weaker right foot which left the Poolies ‘keeper stranded and clipped the post on its way into the net.

With the game still only inside its first five minutes, the lads in red and white hoops were looking as ‘red hot’ as the temperatures and, incredibly, it nearly became 3-0 when Jack Raper’s sumptuous and defence-splitting ball was on a plate for Goodman yet the talisman, with just the ‘keeper to beat, uncharaceristically flashed his shot wide.

Brown showed plenty of zest and energy whenever he got in possession and had a knack for being direct; taking people on and wanting to make things happen, so when he put a teasing ball in-behind the Hartlepool defence soon afterwards, it was unfortunate that that particular move ended without another goal.

Had Rovers continued in this vein for 90 minutes then the record-breaking 11-0 scoreline (ironically also against Hartlepool but from April 2014) might have been under some threat. Nevertheless, the Poolies established a foothold as the game started to become more of a scrappy contest in midfield areas albeit with Rovers often looking that little bit more assured when they got the ball.

Harrison had an appeal for a penalty waved away at one end whilst Hartlepool registered their first attempt at the other end on 24 minutes with an effort which was routinely saved by Jake Oram. 

The game’s third goal was always going to be crucial and Rovers got it just before half time to go 3-0 up. It came in simplistic route one style with Whiting’s long ball over the top finding Goodman inside the area who turned, accelerated a few yards wide of his man, and then thundered a powerful shot into the net via the underside of the woodwork.

With the game now effectively over as a meaningful contest because of that goal, Rovers showed a good attitude to go again and win the second half against opponents who definitely weren’t prepared to roll over and just take a hammering.

Substitute Max Adamson played a key role in the fourth goal as his persistence, pace and willingness to get in the faces of Hartlepool’s defenders meant that he got in-behind within seconds of his introduction. Not in a shooting position but close to the byline, he centred the ball for Goodman who performed a pirouette-style turn-and-shot from eight yards which nestled in the bottom corner.

Two minutes later (and with still roughly a quarter of the game to go), Green produced the outstanding goal of the game. After receiving the ball out on the left flank, he brought it inside to the edge of the 18 yard box, took a touch to set himself and duly floated a sumptuous 20-yard effort over the ‘keeper and into the top corner. He certainly meant it and it wasn’t whatsoever a fluke; just a high quality finish made all the more special considering it was on his (supposedly) weaker right-foot once again.

At 5-0, Hartlepool could have easily felt sorry for themselves and limply rolled over, but they stuck at things, tried to show what they could do, and reaped the rewards for their endeavours by bagging a consolation. It came via the penalty spot after a runner was bundled over and the resulting spot-kick, albeit not the best, carried enough power to squirm under Oram’s dive.

However, the morning and the result was all about Rovers and there were lots of good aspects to how the lads played and how they applied themselves. There was creativity (Jack Raper and Sam Brown), there was an end product (Jack Goodman, Ethan Harrison and Will Green), there was hard work in midfield (Josh Lindley), there was constant communication to get the best out of everyone (Jak Whiting and Will Flint) and there was determination from the substitutes bench (Max Adamson). 

The lads executed some of their ideas exceptionally well and looked organised in parts, set standards with their fast start and it was a good benchmark performance for matchday one. Above everything else, there was some good quality on show at times - and that was perhaps the most pleasing thing!

Special mentions must go to Will Green because his touches, movement and awareness (including getting out of a two-on-one in the first half through good footwork) was of a really good standard. Sam Brown, likewise, was phenomenal for reasons already mentioned - every time looking to drive and cause problems and if he can back that up now over a consistent spell then he's going to do well for himself, along with Ethan Harrison who held the ball up brilliantly, posed such a physical threat and won his headers which didn't seem to mess up a sharp new hairstyle that he's got either. 

Josh Lindley and Jack Raper both played well, got on the ball a fair bit, and were influential in their own respective ways, whilst Max Adamson offered so much effort and energy when he came on with his running, his persistence, his desire and his drive. If he maintains those standards for the rest of the year and scores with his shot next time (which he’s usually done in the past) then he’s going to have a good impact and give off a favourable impression to anyone who happens to be watching him.

All that said, there are still some areas for improvement because one or two bits of individual decision-making at the back can best be described as ‘dicey’ and it led to the ball being lost cheaply when it shouldn’t have lost at all. If those errors are repeated in games against sides who carry a bigger attacking threat than Hartlepool, they’ll potentially get punished. ‘Defensive Errors’ is what some teams in the Youth Alliance thrive on - one of them being Rotherham (the next league opponents), and if you go behind against that type of team, it can suddenly become a much tougher game than it otherwise should be.

It’ll only be realised over a period of time just how good this DRFC team is compared to others in the division, so nobody should get too carried away by this one result. Nevertheless, the initial evidence looks to be hopeful, the positives outweigh the negatives, and there isn’t a better way to start the season than by producing a ruthless performance and deservedly claiming three points.

Next week’s game against Blackpool in the Youth Alliance Cup will be a lot harder. It'll be the Tangerines' first this season (so they'll want to get off to a good start) and they’ll likely include a 30 goal-a-season striker in Jake Daniels who was one of, if not the best player, in the North-West Youth Alliance last year… and I’m looking forward to seeing that battle already!

Team: Jake Oram, Will Flint, Jak Whiting (C), Freddie Allen, Will Green, Josh Lindley, Alex Fletcher, Sam Brown, Jack Raper, Ethan Harrison, Jack Goodman. Subs Used: Justin Bennett, Owen Scattergood, Chris Pooley, Faris Khan, Max Adamson.

Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Lincoln City

Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Lincoln City

Carabao Cup First Round

Tuesday 9th August 2022

If I needed yet another reason to back up a decision I've already made to not attend many games involving the first team at Doncaster Rovers this season, then events here handed it to me on a silver plateau.

And it was nothing to do with the quality of the football on show.

Lincoln were the better team by a country mile. They controlled the tempo and set the intensity from an early stage, created the openings, moved the ball with great quality, and were fine value for their win. Charley Kendall, who scored the opener, looked a class act with his movement and anticipation - and what a display he put in for someone who is yet to make his Football League debut.

Had the Imps bagged a second goal soon after their actual opener then it’s quite plausible they might have racked up a far bigger scoreline than what they eventually did.

The only consolation to Rovers’ limp first half performance was they went in only a goal behind and still ‘in the game’ but a dazzling run and finish by Teddy Bishop quickly after half-time followed by an Anthony Scully tap-in on the back of some sharp and incisive play, meant it was 3-0 and ‘Goodnight Vienna’ by the hour mark.

And that's when other problems began!

After an anything but motivational chant of ‘YOU’RE F**KING SHIT’ to try and gee up the players, a stupid lad from the Jeremy Kyle Stand (and there’s a very good reason why I call it the Jeremy Kyle Stand) chose to invade the pitch because... he wanted a selfie with Lee Tomlin! Yep, roll your eyes in amazement at that one, but who was to know that was his intention considering the infamous Billy Sharp headbutt not very long ago?

He was soon joined by what appeared to be Mr Blobby’s offspring who ducked and dived a few attempted grabs from stewards as he puffed and panted his way around before realising pretty quickly he didn't have the stamina to escape from the stewards.

Both were caught (apparently there was a third invader although I didn't see him) and they were escorted away, cue punches being thrown towards stewards by other idiots who'd egged them on and thought it was funny, and then more ridiculous scenes for the remainder of the game - including one FULLY GROWN ADULT running up and down the front of the stand, screaming obscenities in stewards’ faces from just feet away (even to the females) and trying to provoke a reaction.

On top of all that, there was also ‘bra throwing’ (weirdos) and sporadic disorder outside the ground afterwards involving many of the same idiots who were just an utter embarrassment.

Lets not forget, the Jeremy Kyle Stand has previous for anti-social behaviour as it’s only a few months since a little lad of primary school age was hit with a flying coke bottle thrown during a game - so there’s a definite, significant and serious issue which the club needs to get to grips with fast. The lawlessness and conduct shown on multiple occasions just isn't acceptable.

Some people have been quick to criticise the stewarding but, earning £30-£40 apiece for their night’s work, they shouldn’t be subjected to high-level intimidation, goading, threats of violence and actual assault in one or two instances. They ought to be shown respect, courtesy and vice-versa; they aren't there to be a target for abuse or to endanger themselves in trying to stop idiots who seem to think they can ‘rule the roost’.

When you add these latest problems to other current issues such as:

- Disgusting but frequent abuse that players have received on social media.

- Personal threats (online and in the stands) and intimidation towards fans by other fans.

- Major division within the fanbase over how the club is being run.

- Problems behind-the-scenes with a very high staff turnover.

- The FACT the club is going backwards on the pitch and hasn’t been a ‘winning team’ for the best part of two seasons.

Pool all that together and it’s hardly conducive to a nice environment. It’s certainly not warm and welcoming. It’s certainly not going to attract potential new fans and it whiffs of massive problems and somewhere to avoid. 

When football clubs are successful, everyone involved with a club (whether it be fans, employees, players or the owners) is usually on the same page. There has to be unity and a common goal and a togetherness. All of that just hasn't been present at Doncaster Rovers in a very long time.

Abusing players is also stupid. They’ll have good and bad games, etc, but singing ‘YOU’RE F**KING SHIT’ might seem harmless enough and whilst a lot of pro's will be able to handle it like water off a ducks back, every squad has a couple of lads who'll go under because of it as well. A recent case in point being none other than Jordy Hiwula.

It baffles me how some people can even form opinions about players/teams/managers anyway because, clearly, they're not watching it when they're either banging a drum, trying to pick fights with stewards or throwing bra's around a stand during a game.

I'm fortunate in the respect that there's multiple other ways I can spend matchdays; whether it be watching various players I know at other clubs across the country, going to new and random grounds, spending it infront of a TV watching Soccer Saturday, or just by taking a break from football altogether. 

I don't need to put myself in a toxic environment and it's why I decided many months ago I was reigning in my visits to the Eco-Power Stadium until something has changed.

Clearly nothing has changed right now, and whilst I'd love to watch the lads I've seen come through the youth ranks (i.e. Bobby Faulkner, Liam Ravenhill, Louis Jones, Tavonga Kuleya, etc), I feel sympathy for them in having to go out and play in such horrible surroundings.

You just don’t get the same poison, politics or utter bullshit elsewhere at other clubs right now.

The Jeremy Kyle Stand should be ashamed of themselves but it’s still only one part of a wider problem. There’s still the social media abuse which happens regularly; there’s still the division in the fanbase which isn't ever going to be healed under this ownership and there's still the chronic lack of direction/ambition from the same owners who've sleepwalked their way into League Two through their own 'self-suffiency' ethos. It's been regression and not progression for far too long.

Experience tells me that if the team starts struggling in League Two then it’s only going to get a whole lot more vicious and who would want to be around that - especially after everything that unfolded last season (which, by the way, was the most toxic season I've personally witnessed)?

I sincerely hope things do change for the better but, apart from one fixture later this season which I'm already committed to, I won't be rushing back in a hurry anytime soon.

Things have passed the point of no return in more ways than one.

Rotherham United (U18s) 2-3 Grimsby Town (U18s)

Rotherham United (U18s) 2-3 Grimsby Town (U18s)

EFL Youth Alliance

Saturday 6th August 2022

A new season and three points in the bag already for Grimsby Town’s youth team who showed lots of character and determination as they twice came from behind to beat Rotherham United in the North-East Youth Alliance.

The Mariners finished as runners-up to Bradford City last year and although this performance wasn’t their best ever, they were still the better team and deserved to grind out the win. 

Rotherham (always notoriously difficult to play against) were big, strong and physical; working off set-plays, long-throws and any defensive mistakes to create openings. It’s probably a compliment to the quality that Grimsby had on the pitch that the Millers’ players and management wanted to time-waste as much as possible when they were winning (and, ridiculously, this even happened in the first 10 minutes) but they suddenly wanted to get on the game in the latter stages when they were behind. I wonder why…

Harvey Tomlinson’s penalty, Jamie Bramwell’s powerful header and Brooklyn Dennis' 70th minute close-range tap-in secured the three points.

Rotherham, wearing their usual red and white colours, got things underway and dictated much of the first 10-15 minutes. They pushed forward, had more possession and posed quite a few problems with looping long-throws by their No.2 which forced the visiting defence to concentrate, plus some quality balls into the box at corners.

Declyn Dennis got in the way of a low drive from the edge of the box in the game’s first chance on seven minutes, but the Mariners ‘keeper was soon beaten when a free-kick from the angle of the area nestled in the top corner.

It wasn’t 1-0 to Rotherham for very long though because despite time-wasting at a corner soon afterwards, the hosts got caught on the counter-attack and conceded a penalty after their ‘keeper fumbled a snap-shot by Tomlinson and subsequently cleaned out (I think) Brooklyn Dennis who was first to react to the loose ball. Tomlinson, eligible to play for the youth team this season as an over-age player, duly sent him the wrong way and it was 1-1.

Declyn Dennis pulled off another good save on 17 minutes - using his legs to thwart No.7 from the edge of the box, after Harry Milner was fouled in the centre circle but nothing was given and the Millers broke forward.

That chance aside, however, Grimsby looked a lot more settled after their equaliser, and went close to taking the lead before the half-hour mark when Jamie Bramwell was left unmarked at a corner (the first of five times it happened during the game) and his powerful on target connection forced the opposition ‘keeper into a good reaction save.

Two goals were then scored within the space of two minutes; one counted and one didn’t, and it ended with Rotherham in front again.

Will Hodgson grew into the game and popped some fine passes about and, having got into a good position outside the box on 33 minutes, he drilled a ball across the face of goal which was tapped in by Brooklyn Dennis. He was just about to start celebrating but the flag was up and the home defence breathed a huge sigh of relief.

A minute later, the Millers broke in numbers down at the other end of the pitch and scored legally. Their right-winger beat a sliding Henry Moore in a 50/50 close to the touchline and played the ball inside to No.7 who demonstrated some good footwork before finishing well.

With Rotherham leading once more, the time-wasting began again (shock horror) but the hosts were nearly masters of their own downfall close to half-time. Somehow, they contrived to concede a corner from their own throw-in and Tomlinson’s delivery picked out Bramwell again for another free downward header which was scrambled away.

Grimsby’s second half display was then much more assured as they showed ruthlessness and resilience in abundance to get the win.

The first chance after the re-start saw Shakeel Brown go close with a header at the back-post from a Hodgson cross in open play, but an equaliser arrived soon enough which exposed the flaws in Rotherham’s defence at set-plays. Tomlinson won and then floated a free-kick from the wide-left towards the near-post where Bramwell was lurking unmarked (yet again) and the big man’s glancing connection this time hit the back of the net and left Rotherham’s defenders debating amongst themselves. 

Level at 2-2 with half-and-hour to go, it only ever looked as if Grimsby would score the next goal and after a 10-15 minute period where they were on top, that’s what duly happened on 71 minutes.

Milner was the architect as he cut inside with a clever run to the byline with the ball touch-tight to his feet. Unable to shoot himself, he looked up and picked out Brooklyn Dennis who was waiting in the centre, just a few yards out, to apply the simplest of finishing touches and make it 3-2.

Rotherham now seemed to want to get on with things quite urgently, yet within seconds of falling behind they almost got back on level terms when a ball over the top landed in the ‘corridor of uncertainty’ and led to a foot-race between Dennis and Rotherham’s attacker. Surprisingly, there was no offside and the Millers man got to the ball ahead of the Grimsby ‘keeper but his toe-poked first-time effort from 25 yards went the wrong side of the post.

At the other end, Hodgson drew a save from the Rotherham ‘keeper after a lay-off by Milner who himself went close from a corner late on, but much of the last 15 minutes saw Grimsby defending doggedly to protect their lead and pick up three points.

However, barring one or two routine saves and claiming a set-piece cross under pressure from Rotherham’s 6ft4 substitute, Dennis wasn’t troubled all that much. That’s because the defence in front of him were superb and put their bodies on the line several times; Alex Markham made a real captain's contribution with four blocks during the last 10 minutes (including a 'double' block with seconds to go), Bramwell and Moore threw themselves into everything, whilst the full-backs; Harry Thorpe and Tom Zebroni also played their part in keeping Rotherham out. 

It was resilient, determined and solid defending - and a pleasure to witness!

The result was deserved and the best team won. Yes, the performance could have been better in parts (especially in the first half), but playing against Rotherham is always difficult due to their blueprint and tactics and it's unlike every other game in the Youth Alliance. So grinding out three points against them is a positive because there will be other teams who sink against them and get beat by a few goals.

A special mention has to go to the defence for their resilience during the latter stages. They worked well together and showed bags of character and desire. 

Individually, Alex Markham epitomised all the qualities you’d want in a captain and he'll be very happy with his four blocks (including the double one deep into injury-time) and a good performance. Jamie Bramwell was as solid as always and a threat at the other end (finding the space to torment Rotherham and he could have scored more than just once), whilst Henry Moore was ruthless and composed and showed a fearless edge a few times. In no way were they over-awed by their opponents' stature and physicality.

The two full-backs did reasonably well; both showing energy with left-back Tom Zebroni busting a gut to get back into good defensive recovery positions on a few occasions and stop Rotherham in their tracks - including one deep into injury-time. Harry Thorpe had a good game and looked comfortable against what he was up against. He contributed a lot, heading one away at the far post during the late onslaught, and I liked what I saw from him besides the throw-in towards the end of the first half (but we've all been there at some point).

Further up the pitch, Will Hodgson covered so much ground and popped some great passes about (including a piercing ball about a minute or two before the disallowed goal). I've always rated him since the game at Brigg last summer where he scored a worldie, and he was an instigator and a big threat at times in this game - linking up well with Harvey Tomlinson who was excellent in the first half; teasing and tormenting opponents with his footwork and showing lots of creativity/quality on the ball. He’ll be happy with a goal and an assist because it was well deserved.

After a quiet first half, Harry Milner did what I know he can do to good effect in the second half - being direct, aggressive and taking the game to Rotherham. He was positive in his ideas, impacted things and the only thing he didn’t do was score a goal but that will come.

Brooklyn Dennis was a menace (pun intended but it's true) and he got in lots of good positions; anticipating things well, showing clever movement and on another day, he’d have scored two goals (not forgetting the one in the first half) whilst Shakeel Brown put in a good shift and was direct and threatening before he was substituted late on.

Based on what I witnessed in this game, and with other creative players like Aaron Braithwaite and Edwin Essel also eligible to play in the Youth Alliance this season, I’ve got no doubts this is a team with high standards, talent and potential to do well again. The work-ethic and determination to grind out the three points couldn’t be faulted; there’s quality in lots of different areas and it’s a decent side.

There’s a lot more hard work to be done so, onto the next one, but well done on beating Rotherham!