Town’s Youth Team produced an impressive all-round performance on Saturday afternoon, running out 4-1 winners against Burton Albion at Loughborough University.
The opening stages were evenly contested, with both sides sharing possession and cancelling each other out, resulting in few clear-cut chances. However, midway through the first half, Town broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. Charlie Elliott stepped in confidently and unleashed a stunning strike from around 35 yards, leaving the Burton goalkeeper with no chance as the ball flew into the net.
Town built on that momentum soon after to double their advantage. More neat work from Elliott saw him deliver an excellent cross into the box, where Elliot Smith arrived to finish first time with a low effort past the keeper, sending the Mariners into the break with a deserved 2-0 lead.
Burton came out strongly after half-time and applied early pressure, which was rewarded when their striker showed quick footwork in the area before swivelling and finishing to make it 2-1.
Town responded well and restored their two-goal cushion through a moment of individual quality. Carrick went on a driving solo run and, despite appearing to move away from goal, unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box into the opposite top corner.
The visitors sealed the victory late on as their pressing paid dividends. Booth delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which was met by a Burton defender at the back post and diverted into his own net, rounding off a convincing 4-1 win.
Town will now turn their attention to a busy week ahead, facing Notts County on Tuesday at Bradley FDC (12pm kick-off). The Youth Team then have a quick turnaround, as they take on Chesterfield back at Bradley on Friday with an 11am kick-off.
Starting XI: Hayden Rogers, Josh Edwards, Tyler Pratt (60′ Carrick), Charlie Hatton, Charlie Elliot, Fortune Onoh, Carlo Midwinter, Kian Hawley, Elliot Smith, Henry Brown (46′ Booth, 60′ Sharp), Mamudu Jalloh
Subs: Harvey Booth, Joe Roberts, Charlie Carrick, Ted Sharp, George Smith
UTM
