The youth team have played two league games since my last report and both games ended in disappointing results.
Three weeks ago we entertained Fulham at Colney, defending our 100% home record this season.
Fulham took the lead in the opening minute following a defensive mistake and we never really looked like getting back in the game.
Fulham extended their lead immediately after the half-time break and it wasn't until the final 20 minutes or so that we really threatened our opponent's goal. However, with 15 minutes of the match remaining forward Patrick Drmola received the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the Fulham area, turned his man very well and curled the ball into the far corner of the goal to make the score 2-1.
I was hoping this would spur the lads into a comeback, however, this was not the case, Fulham responded well, forced a corner and scored. The match finished 3-1 to our visitors and our 100% home record had gone.
The following week we travelled to Crystal Palace who, like ourselves, had enjoyed a good start to the season. However, unlike ourselves, they hadn't played a midweek FA Youth Cup match leading up to the game.
Following a goalless first half we began to feel the effects of the midweek match and finished on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat.
These results are obviously disappointing after what had been a solid start to the season for the youth team. We must now work hard on and off the training pitch and make sure the boys get back to winning ways as soon as possible to avoid any sort of slump.
We will be looking to put things right over the next couple of games as we have two home matches in a row. Today we entertain Southampton at Colney and the following week Ipswich Town will make the short trip from Suffolk. If you would like to come along and show your support for the youth team you will be more than welcome. The kick-off against Ipswich Town is scheduled for 11am and it would be great to see you at Colney showing your support for the lads in the local derby.
Ricky Martin
Academy Manager
