The under-18s faced Ipswich Town last week and came away with a convincing 3-0 local derby win.
In an even and relatively quiet first half, we created the first real opening of the game after 20 minutes. Forward pair of David Nwaogu and Danny Kelly combined well to create and opportunity for Nwaogu who shot wide of the far post when in a good goalscoring position.
Eight minutes later we took the lead. Right-winger Tyree Clarke picked the ball up midway inside the Ipswich half and from 25 yards sent an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the Ipswich net.
We continued to look comfortable in defence for the remainder of the half, but were unable to create any clear-cut openings in attack and the half finished 1-0.
The second half was a much more entertaining affair, five minutes in and Ipswich created their best chance, a well-struck shot whistled just wide of Jed Steer's post.
On 52 minutes we were awarded a free kick following a foul on David Nwaogu. Dario Dumic's dipping free kick was tipped around the post by the Ipswich goalkeeper.
On the hour mark we again came close, good work from David Nwaogu in the box allowed David Stephens a shot at goal that was well saved.
With 66 minutes on the clock we should really have extended our lead, Patrick Drmola set Tyree Clarke free down the right-hand side, his first-time cross found the on-rushing Danny Kelly who managed to lift his shot over the bar from just two yards out.
Kelly didn't have to wait long to make amends however, less than a minute later following good work by Patrick Drmola on the edge of the Ipswich area, he fired home a shot from ten yards out to make the score 2-0.
With a little under 10 minutes remaining a high ball into the Ipswich area was misjudged by the visiting 'keeper and the ball fell to Danny Kelly who did well to direct a half-volley into an empty net from the edge of the box.
The lads continued to dominate for the remainder of the game and fully deserved their 3-0 win.
I was delighted with the way the lads have responded to the disappointment of their FA Youth Cup exit. I was looking for a reaction and was very pleased with the team performance. We were solid at the back and that provided us with a good platform to build on, we scored some very good goals and I was very happy for the lads.
Ricky Martin
Academy Manager
