U-23's v Boro Today

[andrewjohnsmith]

It was a second win for the U-23's as they faced Boro today, albeit a scrappy game with a late 1-0 winner from Sam Greenwood. With Hosannah, McCalmont, Stevens, and Edmondson all gone out on loan (and Drameh suspended) it's a new squad starting to take shape. Jack Harrison got 90 minutes, but it was a pretty young team - average age 18, Harrison and Gotts the only players aged 20+.

Summerville got his first game, and due to a 24th minute injury to Gelhardt, Charlie Allen made his debut. It wasn't a great game. Boro played well and squandered a couple of good chances. They should have won it. But in the 85th minute Jenkins threaded through a great pass to Greenwood. Faced with a a one on one, Greenwood hammered it past the keeper emphatically. Since he came from Arsenal, can't help thinking of Ian Wright with his finishing, work rate, and aggression.

Summerville definitely took some time getting to grips. His only notable first half contribution was some encouraging defensive backtracking. He came to life in the last 20, made some good runs, but seemed to put a couple of crosses blindly into an empty box. It's his first action and the early signs are encouraging.

Cresswell looked a real talent at the back. He's great running with the ball and can pick out some good long range passes. He was guilty of running into trouble once or twice in the opposition half. But you have to admire his ability and at 17, he's already a strong defender at this level.

Jenkins (DMC), McKinstry (AML) looked much better than they did in the earlier games and they seem to have landed into their more natural positions with the outgoing loans

Charlie Allen was good to see for the first time. Slotted nicely into the Gelhardt (#10) role and immediately looked comfortable.

Of the fringe players, Gotts was as lively as ever, Casey looked comfortable, but Bogusz had a rough game. Bogusz played really well at Sunderland earlier in the week but didn't get involved much today and misplaced a few passes - a couple into trouble.

It was a fairly frustrating game for the most part until we eventually grabbed that late winner. It's worth reiterating the young age of this team as Bielsa has pulled a few for the first team squad and sent others out on loan. But there was quite a bit of encouragement. A fair performance overall with standouts from Cresswell and Jenkins, and a good first show from Allen. Gelhardt's injury didn't look too bad and he was on the field after the game bumping elbows.

[andrewjohnsmith]

[Boo Radley]

It was a second win for the U-23's as they faced Boro today, albeit a scrappy game with a late 1-0 winner from Sam Greenwood. With Hosannah, McCalmont, Stevens, and Edmondson all gone out on loan (and Drameh suspended) it's a new squad starting to take shape. Jack Harrison got 90 minutes, but it was a pretty young team - average age 18, Harrison and Gotts the only players aged 20+.

Summerville got his first game, and due to a 24th minute injury to Gelhardt, Charlie Allen made his debut. It wasn't a great game. Boro played well and squandered a couple of good chances. They should have won it. But in the 85th minute Jenkins threaded through a great pass to Greenwood. Faced with a a one on one, Greenwood hammered it past the keeper emphatically. Since he came from Arsenal, can't help thinking of Ian Wright with his finishing, work rate, and aggression.

Summerville definitely took some time getting to grips. His only notable first half contribution was some encouraging defensive backtracking. He came to life in the last 20, made some good runs, but seemed to put a couple of crosses blindly into an empty box. It's his first action and the early signs are encouraging.

Cresswell looked a real talent at the back. He's great running with the ball and can pick out some good long range passes. He was guilty of running into trouble once or twice in the opposition half. But you have to admire his ability and at 17, he's already a strong defender at this level.

Jenkins (DMC), McKinstry (AML) looked much better than they did in the earlier games and they seem to have landed into their more natural positions with the outgoing loans

Charlie Allen was good to see for the first time. Slotted nicely into the Gelhardt (#10) role and immediately looked comfortable.

Of the fringe players, Gotts was as lively as ever, Casey looked comfortable, but Bogusz had a rough game. Bogusz played really well at Sunderland earlier in the week but didn't get involved much today and misplaced a few passes - a couple into trouble.

It was a fairly frustrating game for the most part until we eventually grabbed that late winner. It's worth reiterating the young age of this team as Bielsa has pulled a few for the first team squad and sent others out on loan. But there was quite a bit of encouragement. A fair performance overall with standouts from Cresswell and Jenkins, and a good first show from Allen. Gelhardt's injury didn't look too bad and he was on the field after the game bumping elbows.

Well done AJS and thanks for the report. I didn’t get to see any of the game today and only saw a couple of reports but this is the best by a distance.

Boro came into this game with good form and no little confidence so it’s a great win. In spite of the numerous loan deals this team seems to grow each week. Greenwood is turning out to be a cracking signing. He has a massive future at this rate.

It now appears that Bogusz is going out on loan too. It is important for his development but it will weaken this team which would be a pity. He may even be needed by the senior team at this rate if we are weakened by injuries or suspensions.

Anyway, it’s great to see the team do well at this level and it justifies the investment that the club has made.

[Smudge3920]

Sublime pass from Jenkins at speed through to Greenwood... and an excellent finish ....future looking bright

[Chilli D]

Just watched the highlights....Great finish by Greenwood. Only a matter of time before he makes the first team squad, I reckon.

[mothbanquet]

Just watched the highlights....Great finish by Greenwood. Only a matter of time before he makes the first team squad, I reckon.

Was thinking the same thing, with his passing skills as well the lad looks like a proper Pablo apprentice.

Summerville's balls in were excellent in the second half, right into the correct areas and begging to be finished. Disappointed no one was there to meet them.

[SG90]

Young Sam is going to save us fortunes.