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Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Academy Trying To Get Close To How First Team Is Run


Charging past Tipton Town in the FA Youth Cup last night, Hereford's Academy say their under-18 side have put effort into their fitness because they know the way it's run is similar to the first team.

U18s Head Coach Dan Chance thought that the final score probably flattered his side a little, but Hereford too advantage of a tiring Tipton team.

"I thought we made hard work of it to begin with, their three goals have predominately come off our mistakes," Chance said.

"They had a couple of chances that came off our mistakes and I think 11-3 probably flattered us at the end. They were tired, we took advantage of that.

"A little bit disappointed perhaps to have let the three in, but all in all you can't really fault that performance when we win 11-3 in the end."

Chance says the Academy speak with the first team so they can work in a similar way, something that has helped the fitness of the players.

"We've been really impressed with the lads, particularly during pre-season we did a little bit of fitness with them and ran some tests," added Chance.

"What we try to do is speak with the first team, see what they're doing and try and get closer to that. 

"It's great having someone like Jonny (Evans, physio) who does both for the first team and ourselves. He's come down, done the same sort of tests so the lads know that what they're doing is close to the first team.

"That's why they've bought into that fitness a little bit more and we've asked them to go away and work hard. We don't see them every night of the week like some academies so we've asked them to go away and work hard. 

"Tonight showed that they've done that, they are putting in that effort away from us which is brilliant."

Captain Sean Swann and Jack Marston were both on the bench for the first team on Saturday for the FA Cup clash against Truro, and it's thought that they're also going with the side to the replay this evening.

Chance said that not only is it a good opportunity, but it encourages the players not called up to fight for those places.

"Gareth Davies is here watching tonight along with a few others and that's brilliant for the lads, they understand what that means for them and that's why they're putting the performances in, putting that effort in," Chance said.

"We've quite a few lads that have been signed and given that opportunity, I think a couple of the lads might be going tomorrow. 

"It's great for them, and for the other lads in the dressing room they're now fighting for those position to prove they can go and play at that level which is great for us."