Our Player Development Centre travelled to Middlesborough's Academy on Sunday 7th October where they showed just how far our Player Development Centre has come.
Here are the match reports from another successful day…Middlesborough 0 - 2 Harrogate Town U14s/15s
A crisp morning, first frost of the Autumn and sharp blue skies over Rockliffe Park the magnificent training ground for the lads from The Riverside. We were made to feel very welcome by everyone from The Boro.
The Boro lads were sharp, busy and organised and in the first quarter session commanded good possession and threatened the Town defence.
However, two banks of four kept their shape and composure and, apart from one spectacular save by Lucas Robinson, their danger was shielded and kept outside the penalty box.
In the second quarter the Town PDC lads grew in confidence, playing calmly out from the back they began to dictate play and worked a number of attacks down each flank and penetrated the Boro box on a number of occasions. High energy, working for each other and compact when they lost the ball, all square at half time and no goals.
At the re-start Town started sharply and punctured the Boro defence with central and wide play attacks. A cracking shot from some distance by Joe Payette rattled the bar and the pressure eventually paid with a well worked goal finished off by Joe Payette, 1-0 with 20 minutes to go.
The last phase of the match saw The Boro lads picking up the pace and showing real determination, fast play and great technical ability. Town held their calm and stuck to their way of play which again paid off with a good finish from Tom Addley after a swift one touch, direct phase of play, 2-0 and that is how the match finished.
A blaze of yellow and red shook hands, parents huddled together and made their way back to the changing rooms following their jubilant sons lead by their coach Josh Walsh.
Good performances and results against Doncaster Rover and Middlesborough in the last 10 days.
Town U14s/15s: Lucas Robinson, Luke Plant, Alfie Shaw, Ben Green, Tom Flint, Nathan Young, Harry Mills, Ethan Simpson, Danny Wilson, Joe Payette, Lewis Kettlewell, Tom Addley, Alex Rennocks.
, Sam Wright - Manzano
Middlesborough 2-2 Harrogate Town Academy U12/13s
Brilliantly taken goals by Dylan Elliot and Harry helped the Academy U12/13 Squad share the spoils with a very impressive Middlesbrough team that had several outstanding individuals in their line-up.
The match swung end to end and the stats in terms of possession and shots on goal were fairly even.
Town's keeper Liam Pinchen commanded his area with real authority, was brave at the feet of Boro attackers and pulled off some outstanding saves.
When you consider the short span of time the lads have played as a squad the performance speaks volumes.
about the player's attitude, confidence and is testament to the coaching they receive at the Academy during the week and from their grass root club coaches.
Developing football skills, game knowledge and personal skills as well as providing memorable experiences is all part of the fabric.
Harrogate Town U12s/U13s: Johannes Shaw, Jacob Abbott, Harry Burland, Alfie Lee, Liam Pinchen, Andrew Todd, William Todd, Harry Washbrook, James Wield, Dylan Elliot