Win for the under-18s
The under-18s returned to winning ways on Saturday (March 22) with a 3-2 win at Northampton.The victory came after a 4-1 defeat to Peterborough a week earlier and a goalless draw against Portsmouth last Tuesday.
Having only tasted their second defeat in 14 games the previous week against Gillingham, the Reds suffered a similar fate against Posh, losing 4-1 at Oakwood.
Cecil Jee was on target for the Reds, who had several members of the squad trialling elsewhere looking to earn a contract before the closure of our Academy at the end of the season.
With the Reds fielding several trialists and only naming one substitute, coach Mark Beard believes the result against Peterborough was fair.
He said: “I can’t fault the attitude of the boys but Peterborough were decent value for their win, they are a good side.”
Several first year scholars at the club are currently on trial and Mark believes his current squad still have the chance to impress.
“There are still good opportunities for our boys to show what they are all about, there are several scouts watching each game,” he added. “I can’t fault their attitudes and willingness to improve all the time.”
The Reds followed up two consecutive defeats with a battling 0-0 draw at Portsmouth.
Both sides were restricted to limited chances in a game that both defences dominated, as Reds secured a point that Mark believes his team deserved.
“We worked hard against Portsmouth,” he said. “The boys deserved something out of the match and we’re pleased they got that in the form of a point.”
