After last weeks disappointment in the FA Youth Cup, the youth team got back to winning ways in the National Cup away at Tottenham, winning comfortably 3-0
I was delighted with our young bulls getting back on track after last weeks defeat at Bilston. It was a massive blow at what we are trying to achieve, and an away trip to Tottenham Hotspur looked like a tough game to get back on track with. The lads put into practice what we worked on this week though, and the performance yesterday was our best to date.
Our main problem last week was that we didn't stick to the game plan, maybe turning up thinking a victory against Bilston was a fore gone conclusion, yesterday however we got it right from the first minute. Good balls in behind the Tottenham defence for the willing runners Tom Gameson and James Obern opened the game up for passing style. We pressed better, won more second balls and should of been ahead before Matty Owens' opener just before the half hour. Gameson chased down a loose ball which caused a mistake for Owen to put the ball into an empty net.
We lost our way a bit after the opener and Tottenham put us under some pressure, particularly from corners but we withstood whatever they threw at us and went in at halftime 1-0 up.
The main thing I have been pleased with since taking charge of the team is how the lads have listened and tried to learn from what I tell them. I am not an experienced manager, I will make mistakes this season as I get to grips with everything that comes with the job, but the lads have my job easy with how they react to me and it was how they responded to what I said at halftime that made our second half performance faultless. I wanted them to start by stretching the game again, keep it tight at the back first 10minutes and if we get another goal or two then control the game. We did all of this.
4 minutes into the second half we could of scored 2 or 3. Gameson having the best chance and should of scored. We kept the pressure on and from a free-kick Joe Davies nodded down to Will Lawley who had a simple tap in to open his account for this season. I've taken Will into our team for a couple of weeks to see how he does, he also has to keep up on his education to remain with us but yesterday was a good start for him, coming on early in the first half when we lost Carlos Moreira to injury.
For the last half hour we controlled the game, James Obern got on the scoresheet after a long kick from keeper Benn Pugh and lofted it over the advancing keeper to pretty much seal the game with 20minutes to go. We could of, and should of, scored more. Matty Owen and Joe Davies both hit the woodwork, Will Lawley had a great chance after a good bit of skill and I wish Gameson had got the goal his performance deserved but you can't moan at a 3-0 victory against a premier league club, even though I try to!!!
The lads will get their progress reports next week, some will be happy and some will be disappointed being told I want them to improve but when I give them the reasons I know they will use it to push forward. That is testament to how good their attitudes are.
Next up is a home game against Bournemouth in the league or the next round of the cup, another home game against Plymouth. Keep looking on Bulls News for details as the lads would love a few supporters is possible. It is a chance to see a young Hereford side trying to make names for themselves and playing with passion
Thankyou
Rob Purdie