Our U17s rather ran out of steam in today’s PDL Cup Final at the stadium.
After a fairly even first half in which we created and hadn’t taken our chances, Luton got in front before the interval with a sharp move that completely cut through our defence. They went onto deservedly take the trophy with a decisive 3-0 scoreline.
We operated mostly in a 4-3-3 formation, initially with Bobo Evans and Kai Rhodes taking wide positions in support of centre forward Harvey Gray. Coach Joe Roberts elected not to go with a goalkeeping substitute.
Line-up: Tom Wright; Billy Clarke, Ben Phillips, Carter Heywood (s – Brogan Popham 78m), Caio Ifans; Harlan Perry (captain), Milo Robinson (s – Alfie Jones 68m), Alex Godfrey; Bobo Evans (s – Kaven Bloniarczyk 68m), Harvey Gray (s – Bobby Lewis 68m), Kai Rhodes (s – Callum Jones 58m).
We started briskly, Harlan Perry spraying typically searching passes to each flank to bring Evans and Rhodes into play. On 7 minutes, Kai Rhodes was found in space right in front of goal but could only direct his shot at the Luton keeper. Ben Phillips was next to try his luck with a free header after Caio Ifans’s free kick caused problems for the visitors’ defence. Gray, Robinson and Ifans all had further efforts on goal as Luton struggled to deal with the Swans’ quick movements.
Luton’s right back Roberts-Edema was rightly cautioned for pulling back Rhodes, which at the time seemed like an omen with both Rhodes and substitute Callum Jones capable of troubling that side of the Luton back 4.
The contest hinged on a couple of key moments after the half hour mark. First, midfielder Harry Fox was allowed to enter the Swans box untracked to latch onto a throw. Tom Wright blocked his shot with his legs. At the other end, Harvey Gray was then set up by clever play from Bobo Evans, who collected a deep cross and cut inside the Luton goalie Thomas. Somehow, Luton managed to scramble Gray’s shot off the line.
Within 5 minutes, Fox cut through our defence with a piercing first time pass to left winger Benagr, whose own first time delivery into the danger area caught us flatfooted, striker Archie Shepherd finishing clinically from close range.
We continued to fashion openings, although seemed a little reluctant to shoot, putting ourselves under some pressure when losing possession. Luton strikers Shepherd and Xavier-Jones played right up against our central defenders Ben Phillips and Carter Heywood, giving them quite a handful to deal with.
A slow start to the 2nd half saw us slip further behind when a simple corner routine allowed Fox to loft in a cross that no one claimed, Xavier-Jones getting an unchallenged head to the loose ball to put Luton 2 up.
We made a succession of changes without really offering much in the way of penetration. Luton organised efficiently and frequently caught us on the break as we battled to regain a foothold in the final. The 3rd on 70 minutes put further distances between the sides – Benagr seizing possession inside our half, exchanging passes and converting cleanly.
Callum Jones, so often our talisman in previous matches, couldn’t quite get involved enough and was limited to a couple of opportunities in the final minutes. Both Bobby Lewis and Alfie Jones went close again, but it just wasn’t to be on this occasion.
Full credit for both sides for committed performances on their big day. Luton’s composed midfielder Harry Fox was very influential and the striking pair Shepherd and Xavier-Jones made a real difference. For the Swans, left back Caio Ifans never stopped competing and probing for openings. Right back Billy Clarke moved up to join the forward line in the closing stages and was often involved in neat interplay.
A decent turnout at the stadium – lots of youngsters in the crowd, including our U10s who staged an entertaining small pitch game during half-time. Scoring: Shepherd 0-1 37m; Xavier-Jones 0-2 60m; Benagr 0-3 68m.
Feature Image Credit: Swansea City Football Club