Stuniverse

Do we already know this? 
Can we hang on to this one? 
 

Match report: https://www.dcfc.co.uk/fixtures/results/2023/10/18/mansfield-town-v-u21
Derby County Under-21s: Thompson (GK), Bartley, Moloney, Radcliffe, Jeffcott, Robinson, Gibson-Hammond, Fapetu, Davidson, Brown, Weston.
Substitutes: Hawkins, Wheeldon, Bates

https://x.com/BelperUnited/status/1713626105150595199?s=20

My mates just text me to say the U15s beat Leicester tonight 4-1 in a cup game 😀 ⚽️ 

Anyone suggesting Kellyman wouldn’t have got a chance here when he has performed so well given opportunities for Villa is just talking complete nonsense. If they’re good enough they will play. Is this what is going to happen when results improve on the pitch switch agenda to hammer Warne on the academy? People creating stories to fit a narrative. 
 
It’s like the whole Hughes thing people used to hammer Rowett with - Hughes left according to many on here because Rowett is (in the eyes of some) anti-football. Hughes left because he had the opportunity to go to the premier league after we failed to do so time and again.
 
Kellyman left because our situation forced us to sell him (he reportedly didn’t want to go), gutting his brother has now gone but again makes sense for the family to have them in the same place. 
In terms of recent youngsters who to some were good enough to be given a chance here:
Stretton - made of biscuits and has struggled to put a run of games together, when he has he hasn’t been prolific in league 2
Cybulski - non league and looking unlikely to make it as a league footballer
Jordan Brown - doing ok at Orient had good game at weekend but been on bench recently. Potentially still a player there but wouldn’t have warranted a place in our team since he’s gone. 
Dajaune Brown will play when he’s ready and if he’s good enough will force his way in. 
 

Match details here: https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2023/09/30/england/premier-academy-league/derby-county-fc-under-18-academy/manchester-city-fc-under-18-academy/4203232/
Lost 0-3 sadly.

Lost 3-1.

U18s beating Man Utd 1-0 at half time. Wheeldon goal from Allen's assist

There are a number of promising moments, but we need to tighten up at the back.
We're arguably missing out on our first choice CB duo in Bardell and Bartley. With a fully fit first team, Rooney probably would have been dropping down occasionally too.
I would try to slot the odd first team defender in when we have a gap in our first team schedule. At the very least, it would help top up the match fitness of players like Elder and Bradley. But, I feel an experienced defender could help the youngster with their positioning and decision making.

Cracking goal from DB.

2 very good stops by Evans from range so far. Has shown good composure with the ball.
DRobinson has shown a good range of passing range when we've decided to pass it around a bit.
Our main threat is releasing Richards down the right wing who drags it back to the penalty spot.
A couple of good bits of play from DBrown, with a fine turn into the box, and good positional awareness to pick up the loose ball on the edge of the box.
 
Overall, it feels like a side thrown together and lacking a bit of confidence. Bardell, Bartley and Hawkins all injured (?), plus Oseni going out on loan has left us a bit light all over the pitch.
We perhaps need a few senior players to help then through a few games once more players are back from injury.

Evans
Moore   Radcliffe   Cox   Jeffcott
DRobinson   Johnson
Richards   Weston   Gibson-Hammond
DBrown
 
Subs: Ridd, Moloney, Bates, Fapetu, Lindsay

A crazy last 10 minutes. 
Gough (a 2nd half sub), got a straight red, quickly followed by a straight red for a Stoke forward (a 1st half sub) and a 2nd yellow for one of their CMs.
In the 3rd minute of injury time, Cruz Allen (in fantastic form this season) stepped up to score the winner. 1-0