Brighouse Town 4-1 Carlton Town

Brighouse Town 4-1 Carlton Town

Northern Premier League (North-East Division)

Saturday 3rd September 2022

Although they deserved this win and the scoreline was (just about) a fair reflection of what unfolded, Brighouse Town didn't half make hard work of picking up these three points.

Initially, they were 2-0 up thanks to goals by Corey Gregory and Mo Qasim and seemed 'home and dry' until they gave away a cheap penalty with about 10 minutes to go which was duly dispatched by Aaron Opoku.

That led to panic and pandemonium during what the remaining minutes of normal time and Mike Roxborough was forced to pull off a few brilliant fingertip saves to keep them ahead. It was bizarre and it really did look as if Brighouse were about to throw away what they'd worked so hard for.

But order was restored and after Javelle Clarke capped off a fine performance by tapping home a third, Bobby Pointon (what a player!) fired in a fourth goal from a tight angle to enhance his growing reputation as a quality upcoming player.

It's easy to buy into what Brighouse are all about and I've got a lot of admiration for their recruitment and the team they're trying to put together. They've got plenty of talent; a desire to work hard and although the bobbly pitch kills them a bit, they're a team I wish I could watch more often.

They've got several players who've come through the same level of academy football I watch on a regular basis. Harrison Beeden (ex-Rotherham - and so good looking that Carlton's No.10 wanted to rip his shirt off in one of many grapples between them) is their skipper and always has something to say for himself and his centre-back partner is none other than Aiden Walker (ex Mansfield; a youth team title-winner back in the day and a generally all-round top lad). 

Behind them is Mike Roxborough (whose name I'm familiar with as he's been at Huddersfield and played in various games I've watched), they've got a Doncaster Rovers connection in Myron Gibbons and to top it off, they signed Bobby Pointon on a six-month loan from Bradford City at the start of the season - and he was comfortably the best player in the Youth Alliance last year. It's no shock to me that he's already claimed the 'Player Of The Month' award for August.

Each of them played a part in this win and collectively, Brighouse showed different elements to their game in order to get the points.

After a quiet start, the hosts broke the deadlock on 25 minutes. Sam Drake's long-throw into the box dropped to Walker who momentarilly morphed into Paolo Maldini as he made a clever run to the byline before his inviting cut-back was emphatically slammed home by Gregory.

It was good play by Walker and, pressing high whenever it was right to do so, he sprayed another inviting ball into the box not long afterwards as Brighouse threatened to double their lead. He showed what he was all about at the other end when Roxborough parried an effort and he threw his body towards the ball to make a vital clearance on the goal-line from the rebound.

Brighouse could have also scored before the break when Danny Brown had a trampoline touch from an aerial ball which very nearly allowed Qasim to break clean through - though Carlton's No.3 atoned for his mistake by offering enough of a presence to draw a foul under pressure.

In the second half, the hosts initially had to show plenty of resilience as Carlton played on the front foot for a good 10-minute spell immediately after half-time and pumped balls forward. Big Beeden did well to negate the threat of Opoku and Carlton's bench were left incensed when one of their spells of pressure was brought to a premature end as the linesman wrongly gave a throw-in the wrong way (claiming the ball had gone out when it clearly hadn't). It prevented them from utilising their own long-throw weapon.

Just past the hour mark, Brighouse bagged a second as Jack Normanton's work took him to the byline and his whipped in ball was finished with aplomb by Qasim. It was good, positive and fluid attacking play and that 2-0 lead soon nearly became a 3-0 advantage when Pointon got on the end of a near-post cross only to see his close-range shot somehow or another deflected wide.

Up at the other end, Beeden bravely blocked a shot but if truth be told, Carlton looked a beaten team. Their body language suggested they didn't believe they could find a way back into the game and when one of their players needed treatment for almost five minutes and was forced off through injury, a comeback (from either him or Carlton) appeared to be even more unlikely.

That player did go back onto the pitch though; simply so the visitors had 11 men rather than 10 and could utilise his long-throw, and in the final 10 minutes, the visitors were given the chance to reduce arrears when an attacker with his back to goal was fouled inside the box and Opoku duly converted the resulting penalty.

At 2-1 it was 'Game On' again and the Nottinghamshire side went 'hell for leather' to try and get an equaliser. Brighouse's midfield didn't help themselves with an almost subconscious tendency to drop back too deep and invite pressure, and the hosts ultimately had Roxborough to thank for keeping them ahead. Having survived a mini-scramble, the Huddersfield loanee made a brilliant fingertip save when Opoku flashed a wicked shot at him and he saved again from the resulting corner after Brad Wells hooked the ball goalwards following some acrobatics.

It was 'heart in mouth' stuff for Brighouse because they'd had the game won - and it's hard to emphasise just how comfortable they looked at 2-0 and how straightforward it should have been to see the game out, but during four minutes of injury-time (which should have been more), they bagged two more goals with Clarke slotting home the third to 'kill' Carlton before Pointon's pinpoint banger from a tight angle beat the 'keeper to make it 4-1.

It was a good game to watch and, if nothing else, I've a new found respect for Mike Roxborough because without those late saves, Carlton's handful of fans could quite feasibly have been singing '2-0 up and you f**ked it up'. It was a class contribution from him and I hope it gets back to Huddersfield Town's academy hierarchy.

Harrison Beeden is so vocal and confident and, at 20, he's still quite young for a footballer. He epitomises bravery with how he defends in an 'old school' way, he'll throw himself infront of every ball and battle, scrap and grapple for everything, he has a big physical presence and wins his headers and whilst there's definitely certain things he needs to improve regarding his footwork, he'll only get better with age and more experience. I've always liked him (hence why I remember him from his youth team days) and I know he'll never change and be consistent with qualities. I've got no doubts that eventually he'll put himself in with a chance of earning a move higher up the pyramid because managers will always be attracted to a defender with his attributes.

He compliments Aiden Walker so well because, technically, Aiden has more technical qualities. He got an assist, put some good balls about and made the important goal-line clearance. It's good to see him playing (and playing well) after the injury problems last year! Keep it up!

Brighouse's No.11, Javelle Clarke, was fantastic and the tactic by the coaches to leave both wide players in high positions worked wonders. The goal was testament to his display and I've never seen a player kicked and booted as much as he was at times in the first half. Mo Qasim was also class upfront.

On the other flank was Bobby Pointon and, personally, he had one of his quieter games by his standards until he was moved into a central position late on where he posed a lot more problems. Even on a quiet day, he can still bag a goal; that's what he did and he's only going to get better. It was good to see that the rest of the Brighouse team were offering loads of encouragement, talking to him throughout the game, and I know that they all appreciate and admire what he offers. Keep it up and well done on a brilliant start to the season and creating another positive impression on so many.

It was good to catch up with Myron Gibbons ('he's magic yanoo, that boy we all call Gibbo') as the chant will one day go, and I know he'll have a part to play having been one of the top scorers at Rossington Main in the NCEL First Division last season.

If and when the chance allows, I'll be back at some point but well done on getting the three points!

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

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

Professional Development League Cup

Saturday 3rd September 2022

Still unbeaten and playing well, this was the best performance of the season so far by Doncaster Rovers’ youth team as they totally destroyed their Hull City counterparts at Cantley Park.

Racking up a remarkable 5-0 scoreline; ironic given that Hull have Category Two status and were therefore meant to be the stronger side, Rovers looked a cut above their opponents. They were miles more organised everywhere across the pitch, tactically dominant from the first whistle to the last, they moved the ball brilliantly at times to carve out some good openings and they were very worthy of such a big win.

Such was the lads’ dominance, Hull can count themselves fortunate they only lost by five goals - and it was a performance on a par with those which were often produced by the North-East Youth Alliance title-winning team of 2019/20.

Jack Goodman bagged two goals to end his little barren spell, ‘Man Of The Match’ Faris Khan (who was phenomenal with the qualities he showed) claimed another, Will Green bagged his third goal of the season with a deflected free-kick and Max Adamson was also on the score-sheet.

Match Report

Rovers have entered the U18s Professional Development League Cup this year with a handful of other Category Three teams and they’ve been drawn in a group alongside Barnsley and Lincoln City who they’ll face in away fixtures. The group winners will progress to the knockout stage.

Boss Chad Gribble was forced to make a notable change to the team which drew 1-1 at Rotherham United last week as Ethan Harrison missed out due to a knock sustained from a tackle in that game. His absence paved the way for Max Adamson to make his first start of the new season.

From the first minute, Rovers signalled their intentions and set the tempo as they got at Hull - playing with zip, zest, confidence and showing quality on the ball.

As Coldplay once sang, it was ‘Tigers waiting to be tamed' because the visitors were often camped deep inside their own half and struggled to contain the threat they were faced with.

Rovers’ first chance came on four minutes when Josh Lindley rose highest inside the box to meet Faris Khan’s corner and sent a glancing header narrowly wide of the post. Soon afterwards, the two talismen in red and white hoops linked up to superb effect with Adamson driving through the middle and slotting a pass through for Jack Goodman to run onto and his shot drew a fine fingertip save from the City ‘keeper who palmed the ball over the upright.

Khan’s subsequent corner came to nothing but Rovers continued to press high, probe menacingly and pose all kinds of problems and there were half-hearted appeals for a penalty when Adamson went down tight to the byline on 22 minutes but the referee wasn’t convinced.

It quickly didn’t matter because two minutes later, two bits of individual quality that were perfectly knitted together ensured that Rovers went 1-0 up. 

Alex Fletcher produced the first piece of skill as he burst down the right flank and whipped a fantastic ball towards the back-post area. It looked initially as if the Hull ‘keeper would pluck the ball out of the air but, out of nowhere, Adamson came charging in and used his strength to jump highest and head the ball into the top corner. The 'keeper's complaints fell on deaf ears because it was a fantastic finish; epitomising bravery and it was a great example of what happens when a striker decides to gamble and own a situation. 1-0.

With a deserved lead established, Rovers continued to play with a certain freedom, desire and purpose which had the same beat and rhythm as one of the ‘bangers’ from Leeds Fest last week. 

Adamson continued to pose Hull’s defenders all kinds of issues with his pace and annoying persistence and when he burst clear down the left flank and played an inviting ball into the centre towards Goodman, Hull’s ‘keeper had to come off his line and intercept the danger to prevent another goal. Will Green also saw a low drive from the edge of the area go straight at the ‘keeper on the back of another foray forward.

Soon enough though, it was 2-0 to DRFC!

After Goodman was fouled on the edge of the area, Green shouldered the set-piece responsibility. His effort wasn’t actually the best because the ball struck a body in Hull’s three-man defensive wall, but the deflection was enough to divert it horribly goalwards and past a stranded ‘keeper who’d already committed to his dive. 2-0.

Now in even more control, Rovers attempted to assert their dominance further still and came close to adding a third goal on two more occasions before the break. Adamson nearly got in-behind from Jak Whiting’s piercing ball over the top when Hull's defence were high whilst, right on the half-time whistle, Goodman saw a header go wide from a right-sided cross.

If Rovers first half performance was good then the second was even better as the lads continued to destroy the Tigers’ souls and were merciless, fearless and thoroughly ruthless in executing their game-plan.

Adamson should have made it 3-0 not long after the re-start when he brilliantly used his upper body strength to outmuscle a defender and advance into a one-on-one. More often than not he’d put the ball in the net in this scenario, but on this occasion he skewed his shot wide - much to his own frustration as he knew it was a massive chance!

Because Whiting, Charlie Petch and Will Flint were so organised at the heart of the Rovers defence, combined with Lindley, Khan and even Jack Raper battling hard to win absolutely everything in midfield, Hull never really looked as if they would get back in the game. 

Any hopes they might have harboured about a comeback were dashed altogether on 57 minutes when Rovers made it 3-0 in a move which was started and executed by Khan - and epitomised everything that was quality about his performance.

Midway inside the visitors' half, the second-year scholar showed strength and bravery to keep possession under pressure and nip a quick pass towards Goodman. He then worked his way towards the byline and intelligently cut the ball back for Khan who produced a neat and tidy sweeping side-foot finish from 12 yards which went in off the post. 3-0.

With 30 minutes still to go, the question in everyone’s minds was ‘just how many will Rovers score?’

The lads almost made it 4-0 on 67 minutes thanks to some more aggressive and determined play deep inside Hull's penalty area which saw Khan have a toe-poked effort blocked before he bravely won the ball back and moved it out to Fletcher in a great position on the byline. He flicked the ball up for Goodman whose header from point-blank range cannoned back off the upright which allowed Hull to finally clear their lines.

Fletcher came into his own about this period and provided some outstanding crosses. Only a couple of minutes later, he found Goodman again who some great technique to finish acrobatically from about 10 yards but just as he was about to run away and celebrate, he noticed the linesman’s flag was up for offside.

Nevertheless, just over a minute or so later, Goodman’s mini goal drought did come to end.

This time, the ball came from the other side as Whiting’s deep and dangerous ball towards the back-post area found Owen Scattergood lurking with intent. The substitute knocked it down towards Goodman who simply wasn’t going to miss from six yards out and showed a bit of nifty footwork before slotting coolly into the net. 4-0.

Rovers made a series of substitutions at this point to ensure everyone on the bench received minutes with Sam Brown, Harry Wood and Freddie Allen introduced for Raper, Khan and Whiting, respectively. The changes meant Fletcher took the armband for the first time in his youth team career.

Hull probably just wanted to go home by now because it was a damage limitation process for them but, damage continued to be done, and after Brown drew a foul approximately 25 yards out in a dangerous position, both Tom Parkinson and Goodman stood over the ball. Both players fancied their chances from the set-piece and when it was struck, Goodman’s effort beat the ‘keeper at his left-hand post and clipped the woodwork on the way in for good measure. 5-0.

The final 10 minutes saw two substitutes link-up as Rovers sensed blood and tried to extend their lead further still.

Parkinson (who’d been brought on for Will Green after an hour) whipped a delicious left-foot corner to the back-post where Wood did everything correctly; peeling off the shoulder of his marker to be unmarked and then connecting powerfully with a downward header which was somehow tipped over. It was a mystery how the ‘keeper kept it out and less than a minute later, Parkinson himself went close with a shot from inside the box which was blocked before it was scrambled away.

Rovers worked hard to ensure there was to be no mistakes at the other end so they could register a second clean-sheet of the season and there were a lot of positives to take from this performance. The tactics were excellent, the desire, intensity, effort levels and commitment was there in abundance from every player, a togetherness and team spirit was apparent (proof being what's now become a trademark huddle before the start of each half) and there were some quality individual showings with a few lads having excellent games.

Not bad for Category Three underdogs against a Category Two outfit!

Individual Thoughts

There were many positives from this game and some great individual contributions.

Faris Khan was my ‘Man Of The Match’ because it was a pleasure to watch him play with such assuredness, maturity and show aggression in how he carried out his responsibilities. He bossed some parts of this game; he battled to win possession in various instances, grafted and picked up quite a few loose or second balls in high areas then linked up with the front two to pose a serious and significant threat. He had a good 10-minute spell at Rotherham last week and this performance was the best game of his scholarship by a mile. The goal he scored was a deserved reward for his work throughout the game. He looks a different player compared to last year and he’s earned a massive 'thumbs up' from me for his display.

Someone else who looks high on confidence right now is Josh Lindley. After a mixed season last year where he never really got a consistent run in the starting line-up, he’s come of age over the past few games to establish his position right in the heart of this team. He’s the engine and he's in the team on merit. He made some great contributions in the second half (winning the ball back superbly in one particular instance). His short and simple passes in the No.4 role, along with just generally reading a game so well is such an under-rated quality, plus he’s developed an aggression and an edge with his style of play. He's also being more vocal which is fantastic. There’s lots for him still to improve but to see a talented player performing with enthusiasm and having a smile on their face is great to see. Keep it up and take confidence from what you're doing and how you're doing it right now!

Elsewhere, Alex Fletcher was outstanding with the consistency of his crosses. He’ll always bear similarities to a tenacious little ankle-nipping Yorkshire Terrier with how he carries out his defensive responsibilities and grafts (and I’ve seen that facet of his game multiple times over) but his quality on the ball in this game was really good and if he maintains this performance level then he'll get a good reputation amongst those who watch him. He got into some excellent offensive positions - especially in the second half, got an assist, even got the armband and should be pleased with his own performance.

I’d love to write something articulate about the defence but this just wasn't the most lively game they'll ever have. 

What did stand out was their organisation - to the point where Jake Oram (the Rovers 'keeper) didn’t have a shot to save; or at least I can’t remember him saving one. He did have a few routine kicks and crosses to deal with but nothing major.

Jak Whiting did his usual stuff as skipper and the balls over the top were of a good quality; especially the one to Max Adamson just before half-time and the secondary assist in the build up to the fourth goal. He reads that aspect of the game very well and knows precisely when is (and when isn't) the right time to do it. Charlie Petch was just a big towering unit like he always is; no frills, he wins his headers, he's strong and he keeps it simple. Will Flint defended well in two or three specific duels to come out on top and he's learning all the time. He's also got a clever ball on the switch in his locker that he’s used a few times in games already. Generally, it’s accurate and I know already the exact body movement he’ll make when he’s about to do it, along with the technique he’ll do it in. Will Green also contributed a goal, posed a threat and was assured in his tasks.

Jack Raper linked up certain things in midfield and can take a lot of confidence from this result and the past week as a whole given that he made his first team debut on Tuesday, whilst the front pairing of Max Adamson and Jack Goodman both caused Hull’s defence problems and were a significant threat. 

Max should have scored two (the miss happens; just get the next one in the same scenario on target) but he had no right to out jump the ‘keeper and bag the first goal in the way he did. That was really good - and it's what happens when you gamble, aren't afraid of getting hurt, and own something in the goalmouth. Plenty of other strikers I’ve seen at this level could learn a thing or two about that kind of bravery. On top of that, if he keeps making the runs he makes then he’ll pose problems and continue to put himself in genuine goalscoring positions and I’d back him to rack up a decent goals tally. He should be happy with how he did in his first start of the season. It was good to see Jack score twice because his link-up play and graft was evident from the moment he tested the 'keeper early on to the moment he walked off the pitch at the end of the game. He worked hard for the cause.

Of the substitutes, they all contributed something as well.

Tom Parkinson’s contribution from the bench was probably the best as he whipped two set-piece deliveries into great areas for attackers from his left-foot (one free-kick and the late corner). It was unfortunate that he didn’t score with the effort which got blocked and scrambled away late on - especially as I knew he’d get chances when he came on, but what he showed in roughly 30 minutes on the pitch was decent. Well done!

Of the others, Harry Wood did everything right with his technique for his late chance and it’s just a shame that the ‘keeper somehow tipped it over. Nevertheless, if he repeats that same movement in similar situations, it’s inevitable that he’ll score via it sooner or later - so just keep doing that. Owen Scattergood claimed an assist with his unselfish work for Jack Goodman’s first goal; it was good play, and I’ll be buzzing for Scatts when he next scores and gets the goal he needs to re-ignite his own form infront of goal. Sam Brown drew the foul for the free-kick which led to the last goal and Freddie Allen slotted straight into the defence when he was brought on for the final quarter-of-an-hour (and didn’t play that ball which almost gave me a panic attack when he did it against Hartlepool).

Overall, there’s loads of positives to take from this performance because it was so dominant.

The lads are now four matches unbeaten; winning three of them, they haven’t yet conceded a goal from open play in six hours of football, there’s good partnerships which are developing (and blossoming in the case of the defence), the team's organisation has gone up a notch compared to last year, it’s vocal out on the pitch, there’s strong leadership on show from three or four players, I’ve heard Josh Lindley’s voice and seen his aggressive edge at last, and everything about this win was good. 

Tactically, it was spot on and when Hull do their own analysis, it'll be a long morning, afternoon, evening and through the night experience.

There’s many reasons to be confident and I’m looking forward to the next game against Bradford City because that one (plus the games against Grimsby Town) are as tough as things are going to get and will be a real marker to see where this Rovers team are at right now.

Team: Jake Oram, Will Flint, Charlie Petch, Jak Whiting (Freddie Allen), Alex Fletcher, Will Green (Tom Parkinson), Josh Lindley, Faris Khan (Harry Wood), Jack Raper (Sam Brown), Max Adamson (Owen Scattergood), Jack Goodman.

Barnsley (U21s) 2-0 Charlton Athletic (U21s)

Barnsley (U21s) 2-0 Charlton Athletic (U21s)

Premier League Professional Development League

Friday 2nd September 2022

This was one of those afternoons where every player in a Barnsley shirt made a positive contribution as the Reds deservedly beat their Charlton Athletic counterparts at the Oakwell Training Ground.

Dependable in defence thanks to the triumvirate of Danny Benson, Will Lancaster and Jasper Moon and clinical up front with Jack Butterfill bagging both goals, the Reds' display had plenty of graft, guile, energy and enthusiasm about it. The gritty desire complimented periods of fluid football really well.

It was a case of talented players working hard for the cause and it was a pleasure to witness.

The goals which did the damage both came before half-time. Butterfill side-footed home following Kareem Hassan Smith's recycled cross on eight minutes for the opener before he claimed a second with a nonchalant looping flick off his heel over the 'keeper from Joe Ackroyd's near-post corner.

The second 45 minutes was then a fine example of showing guts, character and expressing commitment to the cause to see the job through. Bodies were thrown in front of shots time and again - and literally put on the line Harrison Nejman's case as he made a brave goalbound block to keep Charlton at bay at a time when they were pressing hard to find a route back into proceedings.

The Reds could have extended their lead in the closing stages as Hayden Pickard went close on two occasions before Fabio Jalo saw a free-kick tipped over after his own twinkle-toed footwork drew a foul on the edge of the box.

Charlton lost their skipper Euan Williams to a second yellow card in the closing minutes but nothing could take the shine off just how hard Barnsley worked to get these three points and keep a clean-sheet against strong opponents who put five goals past Sheffield United just over a fortnight ago.

It's testament to the lads' ability that they performed with such togetherness and, amongst some very strong individual showings, Joe Ackroyd's display was up there amongst the best.

Apart from one opening where he didn't get a shot off in time just before the break, everything else he did was exactly what I wanted to see. Wearing the No.7 shirt but operating in the LCM role, he posed a goal threat - proven by the fact he played a part in the opener (as it was his initial ball through the box, on the back of a brilliant dummy by Fabio Jalo, which reached Kareem Hassan-Smith) and then got the assist for the second goal. He had a separate shot saved, linked-up well with several of his team-mates when Barnsley were in possession, made intelligent runs so that he was an available option in offensive positions a few times. He then demonstrated the other side to his game in the second half when he got behind the ball, stood up his markers and battled very hard. His game-management was excellent; stifling things, grafting and his vocal presence and little bits of leadership (stemming from his youth team captaincy a few years ago) didn't go unnoticed either. Good defensive work is vitally important and he put in a solid performance to create another good impression. If I needed any reassurance on his ability, this display backed up what I already thought. It was impressive and I've got a lot of respect for it.

Alongside him, Harrison Nejman grew into things a lot as the afternoon progressed and his best contributions were a well-timed tackle under pressure followed by his goal-saving block on the line just a minute or two later. Who knows how a Charlton goal might have changed the course of the game at that point?  He 'ratted' and won the ball back various times in the latter stages to alleviate pressure and, after his first team debut earlier this week, it was a performance he should be pleased with to round off a big week in his fledgling career. 

Having heard plenty about Fabio Jalo, this was my first time watching him 'live' (which is always the best way to form an opinion on a player) and he's certainly got talent. His dummy in the build-up to the opening goal was clever and highlighted his technical awareness, his eagerness to get up and get on with things after being clattered by a defender in the first half showed he isn't afraid of being bashed by opponents who are bigger and stronger either. Those attributes, combined with his raw pace, his raw energy, his raw enthusiasm and having quick feet in being able to turn and bring the ball onto his favoured foot for a shooting opportunity in the blink of an eye (something he did twice in this game) makes him a dangerous goal threat. He was listening to his coaches and taking things on board - especially in dropping back to play his part in defensive work whenever Charlton had a corner. It's scary to think he's only 16 because he's setting a good benchmark and will only get better with age/experience. He's in this Under 21s team on merit and playing how he did today, against a good team, he did his reputation no harm whatsoever. Again, I've plenty of admiration for a lad who has talent and a willingness to work hard and make the most of that talent and he seems to have it. Well done!

The whole defence deserve recognition for the part they played in the result. Will Lancaster was organised and efficient and showed the qualities that you'd want a leader to show - it was 'no frills' stuff sometimes but he was reliable and put in a good shift and even went on a mazy run in the latter stages where I thought for a moment he might smash the ball into the top corner but he passed to Fabio Jalo instead. Jasper Moon was really good with his footwork, played two lovely crossfield passes to feet which opened up so much space in the latter part of the first half, got the chance to use his trademark 'long throw' weapon on one occasion and defended particularly well in one individual duel on approximately 70 minutes to stop Charlton's striker from being able to turn goalwards when he received the ball on the edge of the six-yard box. Aspects of this performance is why I like Jasper, why I'll always believe in his ability and why I'll back him to the hilt and I hope this game kick-starts his season. I enjoyed watching it. Danny Benson also played his part alongside the other two; winning his duels well and clearing his lines to good effect. I don't think it was a penalty when Charlton's No.7 (who wasn't a bad player) went down touch-tight to the byline just before the hour mark. He can be as happy as the others to have contributed towards this clean-sheet.

The full-backs also performed strongly. Having seen him a few times previously, I actually think this performance was the best that I've seen from Hayden Pickard. Whether it be closing down at corners early on (he was definitely 10 yards by the way!!!) to his composure on the ball or how he got up the pitch and forced a save before having a second shot deflected wide later on, there was lots of positivity from him. He's one of the younger members of this team and, again, it was a great way to end a week where he also featured in the matchday squad for the first team.

It was a shame for Kareem Hassan-Smith that he went off injured after about half-an-hour because he started the game with a lot of positivity and purpose. He got the assist with a great ball towards the near-post and was then involved in some fluid play not long afterwards before he was scythed down just as he was breaking into a dangerous position where he could have tested the 'keeper. His replacement in Jonathan Bland slotted in well; looked composed and comfortable and wasn't flustered in any way whatsoever by what he was up against in the opposition.

The trialist 'keeper (name unknown) also put in a good shift, was vocal and pulled off some good saves when he was required to do so - the best of which was smothering one at close-range on the quarter-hour mark which led to the goalmouth scramble.

Further up the pitch, Keegan Hartley should be pleased with his performance as he ran, worked hard for the cause and went within a whisker of scoring himself with a thunderous drive just before half-time (after the ball ricocheted to him following Joe Ackroyd being closed down) which came back off the foot of the post. About 10 minutes prior to that, he dropped back excellently to the halfway line to receive a pass and link-up with Ackroyd (I think); in a not dissimilar style to how Aiden Marsh performed that task against Lincoln in the Papa John's Trophy game. There were some likeable facets to his play and his replacement, Theo Chapman, was good when he came on. He drew fouls (including the one late on), he played with an energy, looked threatening and capable of exploiting any mistakes. He found space at times, almost got in behind on another occasion and he'll certainly be pleased with how he impacted the game.

Finally, there's no better feeling than scoring goals and being the match-winner and that's precisely what Jack Butterfill was. I actually preferred his nicely-cushioned finish for the opener because that goal was from open play and involved two or three pieces of fantastic football in the build-up - although he'll probably be happier with the second goal he scored considering it was a sublime near-post flick (on a par with Gianfranco Zola's goal against Norwich in the FA Cup years ago). The technique for both finishes were excellent and it'll be some good footage for him for whenever his individual highlights reel is next updated.

If I was to nit-pick Barnsley's performance, there would still be one or two elements which need some improvement. In one passage of play midway through the first half, they were caught on the ball and very quickly found themselves on the wrong side of a 5-on-3 scenario where Charlton had options left and right, though it culminated in the 'keeper making an easy save. That can sometimes prove costly, plus the Addicks nearly scored amidst a scramble inside the box where the marking had been a bit all over the place following a well-worked corner routine early on - despite every player having been brought back to defend it.

That said, nothing should detract from a brilliant result and a clean-sheet against strong Category Two opponents who are capable of scoring goals for fun (as they've done in other games) and have won their previous four games in a row. Battling characteristics were clear and evident in abundance; there was a commitment and desire from every single player in a Barnsley shirt to work hard and there was some good quality football played and some good moves put together!

Of about 30 games I've been to already this season, this is up there in the top two for being the most enjoyable - the other being Hearts B vs Berwick Rangers in the Lowland League, so well done, it must have felt good, and enjoy the weekend.

Lincoln United (U18s) 3-0 Anstey Nomads (U18s)

Lincoln United (U18s) 3-0 Anstey Nomads (U18s)

FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round Qualifying

Thursday 1st September 2022

A night under the floodlights at Ashby Avenue ended with Lincoln United's youth team progressing to the First Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup with what was quite a comfortable win over Anstey Nomads.

United, wearing white, always looked the brighter and more inventive of the two teams and although it took them a while, they made the breakthrough when Oscar Jenkins' fortuitous attempt looped up and over the diminutive Anstey 'keeper Archie Briggs just before the hour mark.

Oliver Fields (who put in a very assured display in the No.4 role) bundled home a second from a corner-kick soon afterwards before Luke Horne beat the visiting 'keeper for strength to complete the scoring in the closing stages of what was an enjoyable game.

The scoreline was a fair reflection of what unfolded and there was some surprisingly talented players on show who performed with such freedom and made a great first impression - especially Garvie Cameron (No.7) who stood out a mile and would have also had his name on the score-sheet if his penalty hadn't been saved by the Nomads 'keeper.

On a pleasant enough evening; the kind of which needs to be enjoyed with the prospect of freezing cold nights not that far away now, kick-off was initially delayed by 15 minutes due to the visitors being caught up in traffic en route from Leicestershire. That paved the way for 'Seventeen Going Under' to be played twice over the tannoy system... and I'm never going to complain when the PA man has a half-decent taste in music and knows his tunes!

When things did get underway, it was United who made the brighter and more energetic start. Horne (No.11) posed a threat with the sheer height advantage he posed and had the game's first chance of note when he got on the end of Charlie Whitehill's left-wing cross into the box but somewhat placed his shot wide.

Cameron then made the first of many good contributions with a powerful drive which was bravely blocked by Anstey's Leam Osborne (who soon needed treatment) before the visitors got the ball down and showed a few ideas of their own with piercing through balls which twice in quick succession forced Lincoln United 'keeper Roy Gambles to come off the line and clear the danger under pressure.

By and large, Lincoln looked the better of the two teams and they had two more chances in quick succession around the half-hour mark as Cameron hit a speculative shot over the upright, whilst Quintino Saggiorrato  (hope I've spelt that one correctly - and he was another in Lincoln's team who put in a good shift) then drew a routine save from a back peddling 'keeper.

Saggiorrato was involved again as the hosts put the ball in the net before half-time; providing the pass for Horne to convert, but the linesman's flag had long since gone up for offside.

After the re-start, Lincoln again looked positive, took the game to Anstey and played on the front foot, and they needed about only 60 seconds to force another save as Cameron latched onto a cross but saw his header go straight at Briggs.

Saggiorrato then forced a diving save at the expense of a corner which came to nothing before Anstey mustered up a rare opening at the other end. A visiting attacker had an effort which was palmed by Gambles straight into the path of his team-mate who, somehow, blazed the ball over the stand and into the trees behind the goal with the follow-up - despite the fact it seemed easier to score than miss.

It proved costly because Lincoln then went down the other end and took the lead with Oscar Jenkins (No.8) hitting a speculative cross-shot from the angle of the area which looped up and over the visiting 'keeper, and ended up in the back of the net. 1-0 to the home team.

As the hour mark came and went, United (now leading) played with even more freedom and desire and Cameron, who caused so much havoc with his left-foot out on the right flank, played an instrumental part in the hosts winning a penalty on 64 minutes. 

He received the ball out wide, put the accelerators on and beat his marker owing to some fine skill and technique and once inside the box, he was deliberately bundled over. You could hear the contact as well as see it and it was a straightforward decision for the referee to give a penalty. The 16-year-old subsequently stepped up from 12 yards but, in a trend that was in keeping with the rest of the game, Anstey's 'keeper came out on top in that particular duel; saving the 'down the middle' before the rebound was knocked behind just before Cameron could get to it.

Nevertheless, from the resulting corner, Lincoln did make it 2-0.

Cameron's ball into the box caused a mini melee inside the six yard box and it was Fields who appeared to get the final touch which sent the ball looping over the 'keeper and into the back of the net. The home players celebrated wildly with Gambles even sprinting the full length of the pitch to join in with his team-mates.

By this point, the game was theoretically over as a contest and although Anstey 'huffed and puffed' in search of a goal which would have given them hope; going close when a free-kick was smashed over from 20 yards, United always looked the more likely to bag another goal.

Horne put the ball in the net for a second time only to be denied by the flag for a second time but he wasn't to be denied his goal on the night because with about five minutes remaining, he headed home from close range in a height mis-match against the Anstey 'keeper, with Saggiorrato providing the assist by virtue of a looping cross that was on a plate for him.

All in all, the best team won and Lincoln were good value.

As stated already, Garvie Cameron was the best player on the pitch and showed many tidy qualities which I could spot from an early stage in the game. It's a shame he can't score penalties otherwise he'd have got a goal his individual display merited but, joking aside, he was good with the ball at his feet; nippy, quick and direct by running at his marker (which contributed to winning the penalty and also a free-kick about 10 minutes prior to that), his set-pieces consistently had the right ideas behind them and were generally delivered into good areas, he played a fantastic ball to feet on the switch late on, showed clever movement and technique and linked up very well with his team-mates. He put himself in exploitative positions time and time again and that's partly why he posed such a threat. Although there's a few bits and pieces he could improve, in terms of making a positive first impression he did that and ought to take a lot of confidence and be proud of his performance. It was good to watch and when you add that to the men's football he's already been involved in over recent weeks (and will be learning lots from) then it's exactly the right thing to do at his age. There's a few similarities I can draw between him and Sam Osborne who nowadays plays for AFC Fylde back when he was the same age. Keep it up!

Likewise, Quintino Saggiorrato (No.10) put in a lot of effort and linked-up well with others to pose a significant threat as did Oliver Fields (No.4) who looked accomplished in his midfield role, controlled the game, broke up play really well, seemed to complete a lot of his passes and then put in a big, strong and commanding tackle right at the end which left a smile on my face. It was good stuff.

The United 'keeper, Roy Gambles, warrants a mention for his clean sheet and the fact that every facet of his game was alright - his kicking, commanding and everything else; couldn't complain with any of it. And, up at the other end, probably the only player who was taller than Gambles was Luke Horne who got a deserved goal in the closing minutes. There were more aspects to his game rather than just being the stereotypical 'big lump' that any taller than normal forward player is often perceived to be.

Anstey's best player was their skipper, Devonte Khan (No.4), and he made some good contributions, found a few passes and floated a decent free-kick into the box from deep in the latter stages when the visitors were desperately looking for some way of getting back into the game but for Anstey on a whole, this was a night they'll generally want to forget.

Lincoln have some good players so good luck to them in the next round and if they give another good account of themselves, they'll probably pose whoever they play next (the First Qualifying Round draw is still TBC) a few problems.

A special mention for the referee as well who handled the game superbly, was firm but fair and spoke to players in the correct way. I wish it was like that every week!