Barnsley (U21s) 1-1 Coventry City (U21s)

Barnsley (U21s) 1-1 Coventry City (U21s)

Professional Development League

Tuesday 21st February 2023

After yesterday’s Steel City derby at Bramall Lane, this was another closely-fought game in the Professional Development League - only on this occasion the game ended in a draw.

Barnsley were probably the better team overall and they certainly dominated the first 45 minutes but the second half was far closer and there were so many openings (at both ends) that the scoreline should have been greater - and the result could have very easily gone either way in the end.

Having not seen Coventry since last season when they were narrowly beaten at Sheffield United in a game where Marco Rus stood out, I was looking forward to watching them and seeing what they’re all about right now. Despite all the travelling in this league, one of its benefits is that when teams from the Midlands and South come ‘up north’ there’s plenty that you can learn about players that you might not have necessarily seen previously.

Rus had a quieter afternoon this time around; not really affecting things all that much, and instead Coventry’s best player who impressed me most was Riccardo Di Trolio. He played at left centre-back, read the game well, was always positionally aware of what was going on around him and had the dirtiest shirt of anyone on the pitch which was testament to his determination to win the ball whether it was on the ground and he needed to slide in, or in the air where he needed to attack. There were a couple of things where he could have done better (notably when he got pinned by Josiah Dyer for a chance in the second half) but his aggression, commitment and application all stood out and he’s got the makings of a solid defender - especially when you consider he's only 17.

Another new face I’ve not seen previously - this time in Barnsley’s line-up - was Oli Shaw (excellent work-rate and always trying to make something happen) and after he hit the woodwork inside the opening 10 seconds, the Sky Blues went straight down the other end and took the lead from the penalty spot with Tom Costello sending the keeper the wrong way, after Isaac Moore had been brought down.

Despite that early set-back, Barnsley really took the game by the scruff of the neck and got on top, dominating possession and territory and creating a bagful of chances to go with it.

Harrison Nejman is improving all the time but he should have equalised when he found himself involved with the ball at his feet inside the box following a neat cut-back and clever dummy (didn’t see by whom) and his powerful drive was well-read by Coventry ‘keeper Cian Tyler who made the first in a string of decent saves.

Oli Shaw and Barnsley’s No.9 (on trial) then went close but couldn’t quite force the ball home between them when the Sky Blues didn’t effectively deal with a corner; Shaw also sent a free header wide (when he should have scored) after a great little short corner routine involving Nejman and Jordan Helliwell, and when Shaw brought the ball under control inside the six-yard box just a few minutes later, he unleashed a goalbound drive which Tyler palmed away at his near post.

And it was from the resulting set-piece that Barnsley equalised with the corner from the trialist left-back ricocheting off the unfortunate Callum Perry just a few yards out and ending up in the back of the net. 1-1.

If the game had carried on in this vein then I’ve no doubt that the Reds would have ended up going to win (and probably quite comfortably) but after the re-start, Coventry improved substantially and had a few spells where they looked as if they might be the team to score next.

The visitors posed all kinds of problems down their right-hand side; one of their tactics being to cut the ball-back from close to the byline to where their frontmen were often waiting so they could either pull the trigger or lay-off the ball for someone else. This happened in three or four instances but on each occasion, Barnsley ‘keeper Adam Hayton pulled off saves - including a double one (about 15 seconds apart) when the Reds defence was really stretched and it looked as if Coventry were about to retake the lead.

Things were pretty end to end though and that meant Barnsley still had their own chances down at the other end.

Another Nejman-Helliwell combination from another short corner routine led to the latter floating a delicious ball into the box which was met with a glancing header that went wide of the post.

Just past the hour mark, Josiah Dyer came off the bench and really impacted the game with his big physique and slightly old-school demeanour (reminiscent a little bit of Leo Fortune-West). This was one of the best games I’ve seen him have but after he should have scored with a free header that was straight at the ‘keeper after Nejman recycled play from Helliwell’s ball across the face of goal, the big substitute showed some brilliant skill to get on the end of his skipper’s next cross where he pinned his marker with his back to goal and unleashed a snap-shot on the turn which went narrowly wide of the far-post. Very unlucky because it would have been a fantastic goal if it had gone in - and one to be proud about.

Helliwell was good with his deliveries throughout this game (just like Nejman) and offered lots of drive and energy from his central midfield position and he too was nearly the match-winner when he received the ball in the box and hit a shot which looked as if it might have been going in, only for it to be diverted wide by a Coventry defender who read the situation well.

In the latter stages, Keegan Hartley (who had a good little burst down the flank) and Jack Butterfill (who’ll always give 100%) both tried their hardest to make something happen after they were introduced -  and although Hartley seemed in the perfect position at a late free-kick which could have been played to him in an unmarked position (instead it was pumped towards the back-post), there were to be no further goals.

Overall, the scoreline was a fair outcome and both ‘keepers will be pleased with their contributions - particularly Adam Hayton who was probably the busier of the two and pulled off another fantastic save deep into injury-time.

Amongst those not already mentioned, Josh Martin also had a lively game up to his departure on the hour mark whilst the trialist No.9 was also effective in his own right and had a very good first half.

But if there’s one ‘takeaway’ from this game it’s another decent display by Jordan Helliwell as he continues his comeback from injury. He played the full 90 minutes, looked comfortable and showed no signs whatsoever of any niggles or breaking down, etc, and was very good with both the quality and accuracy of his deliveries, plus his energy and drive in midfield. Sometimes I feel his versatility goes against him but everything I wanted to see from him, I saw in this game, and on another day he might have got the match-winner - just like he did a few weeks ago against Wigan Athletic. Keep it up!

Sheffield United (U21s) 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday (U21s)

Sheffield United (U21s) 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday (U21s)

Professional Development League

Monday 20th February 2023

Even on a quiet day you can’t stop Louie Marsh and the top scorer in the Professional Development League has done it again!

Having bagged twice in the win at Hillsborough back in October, the talisman got what turned out to be the winner in this game by heading home from John Fleck’s cross in the 67th minute.

And, judging by how he was swaying from side to side in his interview afterwards - another trait of Marshy’s on derby day (albeit one which must really annoy the poor cameraman), you could tell he was absolutely buzzing to have grabbed his 16th goal of the season.

It was harsh on Wednesday though because they did reasonably well to contain United for large spells after a game-changing moment which occurred during the first half when they were reduced to 10 men.

Up to that dismissal, the game was quite finely balanced.

Aside from a flock of pigeons which had no sense of direction and looked a bit lost (strange little creatures) there weren’t any chances whatsoever until the half-hour mark when Adam Davies pulled off a terrific diving save from a free header at a set-piece to keep United on level terms.

During a five-minute spell of pressure, the Owls had two other corners; Oliver Arblaster clearing both at the near-post, but then came the red card incident which had a massive impact on things.

Firstly, Adam Adetero shouldn’t have been on a yellow card in the first place but had been very harshly booked for an earlier tackle close to the halfway line which nobody other than the referee thought warranted a card. However, when Antwoine Hackford showed a great glimpse of what he’s all about and burned him for pace, the Owls defender lunged in with a tackle on the edge of the box, didn’t get to the ball, and a second yellow card (this one warranted) was quickly forthcoming.

From that point onwards, it was always going to be difficult for Wednesday but in fairness, they dug in and made themselves difficult to break down - limiting the Blades to only a few openings.

Marshy’s strike from the resulting free-kick after the red card came back off the wall; Ismaila Coulibaly then tested Owls ‘keeper Jack Hall with a curling effort having picked the ball off Hackford’s toes following a decent run closer to half-time, and by the hour mark the scoreline was still 0-0.

United were always on top in terms of possession and just needed something to show for it - and after lots of patience, the breakthrough eventually came on 67 minutes as Fleck whipped in a cross from the left and Louie Marsh connected with a diving header to direct the ball into the back of the net.

It’s in the big moments in games where good players produce the goods and often shine - and nobody whatsoever can deny that Marshy is a good player!

A second goal could have soon followed as Hackford was involved in a few bits inside the Wednesday penalty box where the ball just wouldn’t quite sit right for him to put it in the net and he was also the beneficiary when Marshy produced a clever (very clever) dummy in another good move.

Sydie Peck (another top player with the right drive and desire to succeed who’ll have benefitted from his 11 appearances at Oldham) came on in a triple change with Kyron Gordon and Andre Brooks for United for the last quarter-hour - and as good as Wednesday were at keeping their shape and making themselves difficult to be broken down, they lacked a drive to take the situation by the scruff of the neck and properly push forward in search of an equaliser.

It was all down to the earlier red card; if it was 11v11 in the latter stages, it would have probably been a very different dynamic, but the Owls did conjure up a few bits.

In one move, Levis Pitan tracked back well and blocked a shot from Favour Okunwuli but even if the ball had gone in, the offside flag went up anyway) and then deep into injury-time, Jay Glover whipped a teasing set-piece ball into the area which didn’t quite drop for anyone in a blue and white shirt as United were eventually able to clear their lines after a few nervous seconds.

Overall, the best team won. Wednesday can’t be faulted whatsoever for their work-rate before and especially after the red card with how much extra running they had to do in midfield (very noticeable) but they’ll wonder how different it might have been if it wasn’t for Adetero’s dismissal.

Individually, two players stood out and made a really good impression (again in both instances).

There’s already a reason why I respect Oliver Arblaster so much - and even though there were some sloppy things in this game; a quick free-kick that went straight out of play in the first half, one or two loose passes, and the tackle in the corner late on, he was by far the best midfielder on the pitch who pulled all the strings.

The way he can bring a ball under control with his technique and first touch, drive with it and just glide past opponents - even when he’s under pressure and space is limited is phenomenal. The perfect example of this was on 35 minutes when he won it in his own half, carried it and threaded it on. He also reads a game so well when he’s not in possession to pick up so many good positions from which he can cause damage, shows brilliant awareness by instantly screening and planning his next move and his all-round game is already of such a high standard.

It’s all noticeable when you’re sat high up in the stands with elevation and every time I see his name on the team-sheet, I feel privileged to be watching him. Anyone who watches these games on a consistent basis will know exactly what he can do - so all else I can really say is keep it up, keep listening to those around you, never change and just keep getting better whilst making memories with some of your best mates in football.

The other player who put in a really good performance was Jili Buyabu.

Along with a good height (over 6ft), a good physique and being deceptively strong, he contributed a lot both offensively and defensively - especially in the first half when he was very impressive. He got into some high positions, linked up well with those close to him, tracked back and put his foot in when it was needed (evidence being a good interception in first half injury-time close to the dugouts) and there are a lot of likable qualities in his game.

It’s not the first time he’s impressed me this year with the same characteristics; the fact he’s playing well on a consistent basis shows he’s a good player, and this performance should put some respect on his name because he’s doing well and deserves credit where it's due.

Although it wasn’t Wednesday’s day in terms of the result, it was good to see Jay Glover get a full-game under his belt - and especially one which required so much thought and extra running, along with wearing the captain’s armband and putting in a quality set-piece delivery late on. I’ll always back him (he knows that) and I’ve got no doubt that at some point he will shine and be absolutely buzzing about things.

It was the first time I’ve seen Rio Shipston (my bad) and I didn’t mind whatsoever how he drifted centrally quite a bit, got involved in a few physical duels, battled, and threaded some nice passes about - including one just before the break where his technique was excellent. There were still a few sloppy bits and areas for improvement but there was also no shying away or ‘hiding’ in situations and it’s easy to tell why he’s highly-rated. I’d be more than happy to watch him again - and the same also goes for Will Trueman who came off the bench, put a ball through late on when the offside flag went up, and looked okay with some of his contributions.

But it was United’s day to celebrate - and here’s hoping those silly pigeons have found somewhere quieter to settle by now!

Cam Wilson's milestone moment

Cameron. Harry. Wilson.

Without doubt one of the best players I’ve seen at North-East Youth Alliance level over the past few years (in the Scunthorpe United youth team from 2019-2021) and a lad who hasn’t surprised me whatsoever with how seamlessly he’s handled the step-up and transition from youth to senior football.

Despite the well-documented problems at Glanford Park in recent times, Cam’s been one of the shining lights to have emerged from the youth system; seizing his chance in the first team when it came and winning the respect of so many since - whether it be the six managers he’s already played under, fans who’ve grown to appreciate what he’s all about, or others from afar who can straight away recognise a decent player when they see one.

What he lacks in height, he makes up for in courage, character and commitment and his creativity and capability to pose a threat from his attacking midfield role is without question.

Not a clue how to celebrate but a goal on his landmark appearance.
(Photo: Luke Broughton / Scunthorpe United).

I can still recall the first time he really impressed me; this being against Doncaster Rovers on the 4G next to the Keepmoat Stadium where he scored one, set-up another (I think) and was outstanding in a 4-2 win. All the lads involved will instantly remember it because it was the same game where Harry Lewis scored a ‘worldie’ on his 17th birthday (something he’ll be quite pleased I’ve mentioned) and Charley Strouther (another good left-footer who has a lot of characteristics I appreciate) also scored.

I’ve followed Cam’s career since that morning and, fast-forward two years, he’s had so many moments that will bring memories flooding back as he reads this.

He’ll cherish his match-worn ‘Wilson 20’ shirt forever and never forget when he replaced Devarn Green for his first team debut against Swindon right at the start of last season, or being just told a few weeks later by Neil Cox that he was in the starting xi against Manchester City’s U21s.

Then there was his loan at Scarborough (where he played alongside my old mate Simon Heslop) and impressed so many with his attitude and class, followed by that Lincolnshire Senior Cup win under the floodlights at Glanford Park last April, his first professional goal against Hartlepool United just after that, and the less-so-joyful but instantly memorable trip to Bristol Rovers which will be remembered in football folklore for years to come.

Throw in some Keith Hill memories (everyone’s got them) and his goal on that brilliant night at Halifax a couple of weeks ago when everyone associated with Scunthorpe United had a reason to feel optimistic, joyous and hopeful about the future again, and it’s already been a decent little journey with lots for him to reflect on and lots that have made everyone proud of him.

And then came yesterday…

Whilst the win over Dagenham & Redbridge was massively important in the context of survival in the National League, it was also ‘milestone time’ for Cam because if you include his two outings in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup last term - and for the benefit of this piece we are doing so, then yesterday was his 50th career appearance.

That’s not bad going for someone who only turned 20 just before Christmas and in an era where breaking through into the first team is often the hardest thing for any player to do.

But what better way to mark yesterday’s landmark appearance than by scoring another goal (that’s three in his last seven games) - especially as it’s one which could prove to be every bit as important as the one at Halifax come the end of this season.

Beyond the numerous good facets to Cam’s game solely as a player, best of all he’s just a down-to-earth lad who is enjoying what he enjoys best - and long may that continue!

Although his days of scoffing a hot dog whilst his dad has a camera in his hand are probably over (albeit photographic evidence still exists), he’s come a long way from Goole Town Tigers where he played in the Under 10s before signing academy forms at SUFC about this time ten years ago. 

I hope this piece has put some respect on his name because he’s worked hard to get where he is!

So here’s to his next 50 appearances in which he’ll hopefully send a few defenders for a hot dog rather than gobble them and bag a few goals - even better if they’re live on TV again!

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 3-0 Burton Albion (U18s)

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 3-0 Burton Albion (U18s)

EFL Youth Alliance

Saturday 18th February 2023

Doncaster Rovers were the deserved winners in this game against Burton Albion at Cantley Park - earning an important three points which keeps alive their title ambitions.

In a dominant display where Rovers looked assured and in control for probably 90% of the game, they got the points thanks to two goals by Jack Goodman who now has 19 for the season (not bad going considering it’s only February), whilst Harry Wood was also on target for the second time in three weeks.

It was a really good team performance because although Burton went into the game above Rovers in the league table, the Brewers were made to look very ordinary.

After a bizarre early stoppage where play was briefly halted due to the pitch not being marked out properly (no corner flags), Rovers soon marked out their intentions to do damage by taking the lead inside the first quarter-hour when Harry Wood made a great run to latch onto Sam Brown’s pass and duly slid an inviting ball into the near-post from the byline which Goodman tucked away. 

Simple but effective!

Buoyed with confidence at being 1-0 up, Wood was again effective in Rovers’ next move as another inviting cross into the box was flicked on by Faris Khan, with the ball appearing to catch the hand of Burton’s captain - leading to shouts for a penalty, albeit nothing was forthcoming.

Then, just past the half-hour mark with Donny still on top, Brown was the orchestrator of one of the best moves throughout the game when he intercepted a sloppy pass out from the ‘keeper, instinctively fed a pass out wide to Alex Fletcher who made a great overlapping run, before the ball was moved back inside to Will Green whose left-foot drive from the edge of the box forced a low save. It was decent, quick, sharp and incisive stuff and a good marker of what these lads can do when they’ve got their confidence up!

The Brewers were caught playing out from the back a few more times before the break; Will Green having one effort blocked whilst another pole-axed the Brewers No.4 who caught the ball clean in the knackers and understandably needed a few minutes to recover, whilst Fletcher - really good in the latter stages of the first half, went on a decent 20-yard or so run which culminated in him firing a low shot goalwards that was kept out.

Albeit by no means at their best, Burton still had a few chances - the best of which saw No.11 burst down the right flank thanks to some electric pace and have a pop at goal but Jacob Bryant did well to get down low and make a save.

Nonetheless, by half-time it remained 1-0.

Rovers knew what they needed to do next in the game was to add a second goal and not long after the re-start, 'Number Two' duly arrived - and it was a good goal as well; set in motion by Faris Khan’s intricate back-heel (cheeky but effective) to release Fletcher in a deep and dangerous position on the right and his inviting ball across the goalmouth found the run of Wood who hammered it home from close-range. Bang. Bosh. 2-0, just like that!

Despite the commanding position they were now in, Rovers dropped off for a five-minute spell immediately after adding that second goal (something to be aware of in future games) and on another day it might have proved costly because Burton came within a whisker of reducing arrears when their No.9 weaved his way into the box and flashed a low drive across goal which went narrowly wide of the far-post.

If that had gone in then it would have been ‘Game On’ but instead it was soon effectively ‘Game Over’ as Bryant’s long downfield ball saw Goodman wrestle goal-side of his marker and latch onto the ball and in a one-on-one he made no mistake in burying his shot for his 19th goal of the season.

A series of substitutions by both teams followed but Rovers worked hard for their clean-sheet and earned it thanks to Bryant who pulled off what was undoubedtly the best save of the morning right at the end of the game as he palmed over a speculative 30-yard shot from a Burton player which looked destined for the top corner until his intervention.

Overall, it was a very good win - totally deserved and the scoreline was a fair reflection of what unfolded.

From a results viewpoints, what it means is that although Rovers are still 7th in the North-East Youth Alliance table, they’re now only six points off top spot and have games in hand on every team above them - and with two huge fixtures soon to come against Bradford City (who beat table-toppers Harrogate Town), the results of those are likely to have a big bearing on their fortunes and whether they can challenge for the title.

Individually, there were lots of good contributions from Rovers’ players.

There’s still a few things to learn with regards to the out-of-possession and off-the-ball stuff (hence a few tickings off from the touchline at times which were all warranted), but it was a very positive day and positive performance where the lads set high standards.

One of the big reasons they got the win (and dominated) was because of how hard the midfield worked and it’s one of the best games I’ve seen from Justin Bennett who’ll be happy to have got a full 90 minutes under his belt. Sam Brown also looked sharp and bright and good with his passing which helped to create quite a few openings. Faris Khan played a key part in the second goal with his audaciousness and showed a few other tidy touches (a shame the referee didn’t give the penalty in the first half when he flicked it up and drew a handball but ‘Hey Ho’ that’s life). 

Will Green was involved in a few good bits of play and on another day might have scored with either of the two shots he had blocked or the one where the ‘keeper saved it - and the same could be said of Alex Fletcher who came into his own in that little spell before half-time when he offered an outlet, overlapped well, posed a serious threat - and it’s evident and blatantly obvious he’s grasped what’s required of him at youth level and is one of the best players in this team.

Harry Wood deserves credit because his intelligence and understanding of the game - especially with the runs he makes and positions he gets into, is why I’ve already got a lot of respect for him. His ‘awareness’ and tendency to just make certain runs (which poses questions for defenders) stood out and was why he was involved in so many attacking moves throughout the game. Along with the assist (excellent ball), I'm even more delighted that he’s now added an ‘end product’ and is scoring goals at last because that will allow him to get more of the plaudits and recognition which he deserves. Another contribution of his which didn't go unnoticed was that he was often the loudest player in the Rovers team - clapping, trying to encourage those around him and raise standards in that sloppy five-minute spell at 2-0 where things just dipped a bit. A good contribution. There was one piece of over-enthusiasm in the first half when he burst straight into an offside position and didn’t check his line whilst trying to make himself available during a quick turnover - that's something to get better at, but on the whole, he’s coming into his own, he’s showing a lot of bright characteristics and played a massively important role in this win. Keep it up!

And up top, Jack Goodman will have been happy to have grabbed two more goals. The first being predatory; the second being persistent and a pain in the arse for the Burton defenders who he had on toast for pretty much the whole game. His movement was good, his work-rate has stood out at other points this season and right now he’s one of the best strikers in this division - without a shadow of a doubt!

The Rovers defence; Freddie Allen (most comfortable game I’ve seen him have), Will Flint (steady and consistent as per usual) and Jak Whiting (the skipper) each worked hard for the clean-sheet they kept - and Jacob Bryant deserves it purely on the basis of his full-stretch fingertip save right at the end which will no doubt be going on his highlights reel.

A little mention also to Kasper Williams who came on in the latter stages. Apart from the free-kick he gave away right on the byline in the closing minutes (definitely one for him to learn from), it’s the first time I’ve seen him play and he created a pretty reasonable first impression with the simplicity of his defending. No frills, just ‘head it, kick it’ and that was good and I can appreciate on first viewing what he’s all about and the qualities he’s got already.

Unfortunately I don’t know the names of the Burton’s players (no team-sheet) but their best players were No.11 who had a quick turn of pace and a willingness to track back into the opposition half to win the ball - something which happened three times in the first half and is the sort of thing that gets noticed. No.9 was also good; he didn’t score but was quick with his feet, persistent and worked hard albeit to no avail. No.7 who was lively at times and No.2 who was a decent, full-back and reasonable enough on the ball.

Team: Jacob Bryant, Will Flint, Jak Whiting, Freddie Allen, Alex Fletcher, Will Green (Owen Scattergood), Faris Khan (Josh Lindley), Justin Bennett, Sam Brown (Kasper Williams), Harry Wood, Jack Goodman (Tom Parkinson).

Other results this weekend

Harrogate 1-2 Bradford - a cat, some pigeons and a title race alive again.

Huddersfield 4-5 Lincoln - a scoreline which doesn’t surprise me whatsoever.

Mansfield 1-3 Grimsby - never write off the Mariners unless you’re absolutely stupid.

Scunthorpe 2-0 Hartlepool - two more goals for Harrison Poulter.