An overview from Simon Wright, de facto U18 media correspondent' after the young Bulls were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup
A step too far. Our U18 squad have used 22 players in their almost 4 matches (including the Dudley abandonment), assembled from many component sources and do lack specialist defenders. We are only in our second season after reforming, playing catch-up on clubs who kept their youth teams intact during covid. Such as Rushall, long-established outfit with genuinely talented attackers in Tyrese Hughes and Declan Riley. Bigger clubs will be sniffing soon.
Faced with a full-on high press, Hereford were forced into conceding after 80 seconds and the die was cast. Riley banged in a hat trick after 1,14 and 22 minutes and there was no way back after that. The young Bulls had all the play between the first and second goal (a penalty) but couldn’t put a chance away.
Strikers Mee and Johnston were unusually well contained. Charlie Jenkins came closest when his free kick hit the post. In truth, our visitors could have scored more in the second half. Sometimes the other side is just better. Losing a couple more Hereford players to injury didn’t help on what was a disappointing night for our U18s. Influential midfielder Cameron Davies was carrying a knock from Dudley Town and made an early exit. Full back and college student Adam Lewis also retired battered.
They all wanted to impress the decent and noisy gathering of well over 100 supporters tonight including the chair and Vice Chair of Rushall Olympic FC. What a boost to have such senior officials taking a keen interest.
The U18s fielded the best side possible after injury, suspension and other commitments took their toll. This was the first time 16 players were listed. Two new names on the bench - Sam Pepper who had 15 minutes - and Jacob Martin who didn’t get on. His time will come soon. I am assuming their much-awaited international clearance has just come through.
My wishful thinking of an all-expenses paid trip to Jersey Bulls FC in a later round were dashed. The Community U18 still have the League and two other Cup competitions to focus on and can only improve, starting with video analysis of tonight’s game. Most of our team are 16 or younger thus we have them for at least two seasons.
On a personal note, thanks to all the parents who took the time to say Hello and fill in information gaps for me. Also to coach Zeke and Cam Davies for talking to Radio Hereford FC post-match. Hereford team: Atkinson, Thompson, Lewis, Morrish, Bennett, Samuel, Lund, Davies, Johnston, Groves, Mee. Subs Bell, Pepper, Jenkins, Not used Martin, Thomas
Next game at Wellington v Pershore FC September 21s