Our U18s' second PDL match of the season is a trip to face Hull City.
The fixture will take place at Bishop Burton College on Saturday, August 16th, with a kick-off time of 11am.
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
Ahead of the game against the Tigers, U18 manager Tom Hutton said: “I thought Sheffield Wednesday last weekend was a positive challenge for us. We went into the game knowing what we were going to get in terms of facing a direct opponent and that makes it difficult to get pressure on them higher up the pitch.
"In the first half, we had to balance between wanting to go for the press but also match numbers on the back line to ensure we had bodies to deal with the direct style of play. For a young back four that was challenging, particularly this early in the season.
"The U18s game is a lot quicker, the ball travels over longer distances, and that can catch young players out. What we’ve done since Saturday is reflect a lot on the performance, take the learning out of it and help the boys to understand what to do if they come up against that style again, which no doubt they will do.
“The games programme is a massive development tool for us because you do get exposed to many different styles of play and different player abilities. What they’re finding now, particularly the younger first year players and some of the U16s who have stepped up for us, is that they’re playing against some boys who are a good bit older than them, but that’s all part of the challenge.
"We do have one eye on analysing the opposition but it’s very much about us and understanding what we might face that will allow us to play our style and utilise our principles. It’s also the type and amount of information these players are going to take on quite regularly in a first team environment, but you have to get the balance right between looking at the opponent and focusing on ourselves.”
PRE-MATCH | OLLIE WALSH
Ollie Walsh is back in contention after being out with an injury and said ahead of clash against Hull: “It’s a great feeling to be back after a spell out. It’s been a long time to wait to get back on the pitch, but it’s been great to be back out there with the lads, and I can’t wait to be playing again. I definitely believe that I can contribute well to the squad and I’m hoping I can come in this weekend and put in a good performance.
“The boys who have come up to the U18s have been great. They’re all very humble, good quality, and the boys who were here from last season have got on really well with them. Now it’s time to figure out how each other play and gel together, and I feel like we’re definitely getting closer to that now.
“Hull will be a good test. They will be a tough team to beat and we will have to go up there with the right behaviour and mindset and not take anything for granted. They will be a pretty direct team and we will face some tough challenges, but hopefully we come out on top.”
RECENT RESULTS
Our U18s kicked off their PDL campaign last weekend with a 4-3 defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
Goals from Riley Hilaire-Clarke and Harry Watts had put City two up before the half hour mark, but Wednesday responded by scoring two quick goals before the break to ensure both sides headed back into the dressing room on level terms.
The Owls then added another two in the latter stages of the second half. Noah Williams would go on to score a late consolation goal, but it was a narrow defeat on opening day.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for the match will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending should use the following address:
Bishop Burton College, York Road, Bishop Burton, Beverley, HU17 8QG.
The ground is located a 31-minute bus journey away from Beverley Train Station.