I was able to attend only the first half of this morning’s U18s fixture with Hull until leaving for the first team appointment against Watford, so it was pleasing to learn that from being one up at the interval we’d earned a convincing 5-1 win by full-time.
In the first half, we played attractively and created a number of clear chances against a spirited Hull side that always posed a threat.
Harlan Perry captained today’s team, which was back to strength after qualifying players returned from last week’s U-19 tournament in Holland. Even so, we still selected U16s Rio Hassan and Ioan Johnston among the substitutes. It was disappointing to learn that newcomer Josiah Kallicharan will be out for some time with a hamstring injury. Other newcomers Jack May and Lukas Murphy were in the stand.
Today’s line-up: Tom Wright; Kaven Bionarczyk, Ben Phillips, Brogan Popham, Caio Ifans; Harlan Perry (captain), Milo Robinson, Alfie Jones; Billy Clarke, Harvey Gray, Kai Rhodes.
Substitutes: Carter Heywood, Bobo Evans, Rio Hassan, Elis Thomas, Ioan Johnston.
Today, there was a very modest crowd, no teamsheet and no announcements – everyone was otherwise occupied with first team duties. According to the club’s X account, Hull’s centre forward and captain today was Zac Jagielka, son of the former Everton and Sheffield United stalwart Phil. By some dint of qualification, he’s also a Welsh U-17 international. Right sided Hull midfielder Jack Topley is a Tanzanian who was previously with Southampton and apparently trialled – but didn’t play – with us before joining the Tigers last season.
We got off a perfect start with a perfect goal after just 2 minutes: Milo Robinson broke in midfield, fed Billy Clarke in the inside right position and his pass to Perry on the edge of the box was wonderfully clipped first time beyond the Hull keeper. Jagielka took a potshot from distance a couple of minutes later, but the young Swans dominated possession for the most part. Alfie Jones had a shot saved after good setup play by Caio Ifans. Ifans himself had a free kick saved. Robinson headed over from an Ifans centre. Kai Rhodes, who became increasingly involved from the left wing, had a number of shots deflected or off target. Some of our close passing and interplay – particularly between Perry and Clarke – was delightful to watch.
For the first 25 minutes, the visitors were limited to a couple of well defended corners. At the other end, Brogan Popham was having some success at our own set pieces. Kaven Bloniarczyk had a shot parried at close range after Popham sent him through. There were some ominous moments before half-time – particularly when right back Gruszkowski belligerently went through challenges to made his way to the byline and sent a cross right across the face of our goal – but we made it through to the interval still ahead. In fact, Harvey Gray could have put us two up right on half-time when Clarke provided an inviting cross, but his header went narrowly wide.
Very strong performances across the park in the first half: Wright steady in goal; the back four was stealthy – Popham and Ifans particularly strong; Perry, Robinson and Jones were always constructive in midfield; Clarke and Rhodes creative on the flanks.
As the half ended, it was difficult to anticipate how we might fare in the second half, particularly as Hull seemed to be finding a grip on the game. It was a pleasant and encouraging surprise to learn afterwards we’d finished 5-1 up, with goals from Popham (51m), Rhodes (59m), Clarke (81m) and Robinson (90m). Jagielka got a consolation penalty for Hull 4 minutes from time.
Why not have a browse of the Swansea City Under 18 v Hull City Under 18 Professional Development League match image gallery.
Feature Image Credit: Majestic Media