U23s at Hillsborough, Friday 6th

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I'll start this Under 23 thread a day early. In the hope it might give forumites enough notice to juggle things and attend. It's the Under 23 hilarious name-calling Pigs v Pigs Derby at Hillsborough on Friday night, 6 March at 7pm. Generally, U23 fixtures are low maintenance, pay on the day, hopefully at the turnstile (not the ticket office), just a few quid (guessing £3). United have normally treated U23 games as DEVELOPMENT games. Picking young players to teach them how to play the game. Rather than RESERVE games. Picking fully formed players. I mention that to manage expectations for anyone who is planning to go. As it happens, a win would move the Young Blades above the Young Owls in the table and out of the bottom two. (Albeit we'll have played 3 games more). Anyway, you're now fully informed, no excuses for missing it.

 

[Rusty view]

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

 

[8lade]

An opportunity for Wednesday to get something out of the season!

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

As previously guessed, none of the current "Reserves" feature. Although, Eastwood & Slater on return.

 

[Sam64]

As previously guessed, none of the current "Reserves" feature. Although, Eastwood & Slater on return.

Is it true Hackford's only 15? Have you seen much of him?

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

 

[Bert]

Is it true Hackford's only 15? Have you seen much of him?

Antwoine Hackford - Player profile 25/26

Antwoine Hackford, 21, from England ➤ AFC Wimbledon, since 2025 ➤ Centre-Forward ➤ Market value: €325k ➤ * 20/03/2004 in Sheffield, England

www.transfermarkt.co.uk

 

[blademark]

He's 16 in 2 weeks time.

 

[dn5 shaun]

1-0 blades 19mins

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

 

[Rusty view]

Decided against going. Although walked past at 6.50 so may be counted in attendance

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

 

[FreePaulRodgers]

A 40 year anniversary celebration of the victory will be held in the Hillsboro suite in 2060

 

[petcharlie]

A 40 year anniversary celebration of the victory will be held in the Hillsboro suite in 2060

Was there any bouncing going off?

 

[Treeton Blade]

We were unlucky tonight, we have a poor team this season, but the second half was one of the best of the season, Gaxha was excellent, a real threat all evening.

We were undone by poor defending, Preston too much time right on half time, Eastwood should have done better, and on 52 a hoof up field, Preston again, excellent touch, once again Eastwood should have done better.

Gave it everything to the whistle, one kicked off the line, Render making good saves, frustration grew, but credit to us, the result was harsh.

The majority of this team are destined for Non league, jobs in the real world, but they equipped themselves really well tonight.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I think there were some decent players in that team, but they lack cohesion and must learn to attack as a team and defend as a team.

They play the same formation as the first team, but there was little overlapping from the centre halves, and not the same type of neat passing moves in general. The pressing high up wasn't good enough. The winner came following us not pressing collectively, allowing their defender to hit it long, and even let the scorer run in behind, with the defence half asleep.

Having said that, we improved the last half hour and created a number of good chances. Their keeper made a few excellent stops.

3 above average:

Gaxha - looks a good poacher. Small, but determined and hungry.

Gribbin - Lanky lad with excellent touch and skill on the ball. A bit poor defensively. Looked like a number 10 out of position, playing in the Fleck role.

Neal - came on in midfield and added some bite. Looked enthusiastic and athletic.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

How did Tonge do?

 

[8lade]

Not sure if this would be an issue or not but younger lads may not yet have the stamina to play like the first team do.

 

[FreePaulRodgers]

Was there any bouncing going off?

I do know Penistone Road was closed for safety reasons.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

The majority of this team are destined for Non league, jobs in the real world, but they equipped themselves really well tonight.

Well that's money well spent.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I would like to associate myself with the excellent analysis & reports from Treeton Blade & Bergen Blade
And, for what it's worth, here's my Blog report from a Topsy Turvy game. As United push the number of U23 players past FIFTY for the season - with the return of Regan Slater & Jake Eastwood. And the arrival of Antwoine Hackford

http://ball-sup.blogspot.com/2020/03/stray-and-stay.html