With the Brighton fixture slipped a week, the U18 had a friendly organised with West Brom this morning. Our U16s played their West Brom counterparts on the adjacent pitch. No teamsheet.
Entertaining, even game and the U18 finally had strokes of good fortune to come out 4-2 winners.
Will Rickard, who a decent outing alongside captain Erick Kenko, was gifted an open goal after 6 minutes when the Albion keeper spilled a low cross straight into his path.
Newcomer from Watford Rio Campbell played right wing and what I believe must have been a triallist (Christian name Adrian) gave a lively 90 minute display on the opposite side. He got the 2nd from a low Rickard cross on 55 minutes after sub Josh Thomas scuffed a connection into his path.
Bradley Gibbings, who hasn’t featured for months, came onto the pitch after 63 minutes and scored with his first touch. Josh Thomas completed the Swansea scoring with a typical breakaway dash & could’ve got even more goals.
Albion’s 2 replies included a penalty after a needless challenge. Otherwise, Gould was rarely troubled.
All in all, a good runout for our youngsters & so pleasing to get a win in what’s been a gruelling season. The triallist winger deserves another look at, I’d say. Kenko & Rickard were the pick of the rest & Josh Thomas gave a naturally busy cameo.
Team: Josh Gould, Panashe Makokowe (sub Cian Williams 65m), Josh Edwards, Erick Kenko (captain), Jake Thomas, Luke McKendry, Adrian __, Joel Cotterill (sub Bradley Gibbings 63m), Cameron Congreve (sub Josh Thomas 50m), Will Rickard, Rio Campbell subs unused: Adnaan Moti, Connor Shields.