Stevenage U18s suffered a 3-2 defeat on the road at Gillingham on Saturday morning in their opening Group 4 fixture of the Southern Cup.
After falling behind in the first half, Darren Sarll’s men equalised before the break through Louis Yamfam. A couple of quick goals at the start of the second half saw the Gills take a two-goal lead and although a bullet header from Harold Joseph reduced the deficit, Boro were unable to force an equaliser.
After the game Darren told us, “The pitch at Gillingham was magnificent and like a bowling green. It was a real pass-the-ball-type pitch and to be honest we passed it very well in the first half. In the second half we were better on the front foot, there was a greater intensity about our play, but with the intensity getting quicker and quicker and a bit more hectic some of the technical execution dropped, which was a little disappointing.
“Louis’ goal was a terrific strike. He picked it up in the inside left channel position, dropped his shoulder, jinked onto his right foot on the edge of the box and shaped it past the keeper. It was a very classy technical finish. Harold Joseph then ran through everyone and powered a driven and determined header into the top corner from a set piece for our second."
To read more of Darren’s reaction, in which he singles one of his team out for particular praise and to hear his thoughts on positional training and how it was a good weekend for one of his young strikers, make sure you buy the matchday programme this Saturday when Coventry City are the visitors to The Lamex Stadium.
This Saturday sees the U18s at home to Colchester in another cup fixture. Like Barnet a fortnight ago they are another team that have just come down from Category 2 level so it’s bound to be another good test for Boro’s youngsters. Kick-off at Shephalbury is 11am.
Boro: Kavel Patel, Jack Jones, Jamie Carey-Morrell, Harold Joseph, Ross Millard, George Casey, Dale Gorman, Ben Kennedy, Louis Yamfam (Ryan Johnson 70), Dan Udoh (Lewis Scott 55), Alex Cathline (Rohdell Gordon 55)
Sub not used: Tyler Reading (GK)