The Bluebirds Academy and DVP thread...

[the other bob wilson]

The Under 23 side are at home to the wurzels today, so if anyone fancies joining me, Cyncoed Slumdog and the girlfriend of one of the subs at the wind blasted Leckwith athletics stadium it kicks off at 1pm.

Also, there was a defeat for the Under 18s at Millwall on Saturday despite a second hat trick of the season for Sion Spence - the match finished 4-3. Wonder if he'll get some game time today in what should be a young Development team side?

[Cyncoed Slumdog]

The Under 23 side are at home to the wurzels today, so if anyone fancies joining me, Cyncoed Slumdog and the girlfriend of one of the subs at the wind blasted Leckwith athletics stadium it kicks off at 1pm.

Also, there was a defeat for the Under 18s at Millwall on Saturday despite a second hat trick of the season for Sion Spence - the match finished 4-3. Wonder if he'll get some game time today in what should be a young Development team side?

TOBW and I duly attended today but, unfortunately, only one sub was named (Warren Burwood, a goalkeeper) and his girlfriend couldn't be there which made a significant difference to today's attendance. I'm assuming Loramski was also lurking behind a pillar somewhere but today's royal engagement also appears to have kept a number of celebrating supporters away.
Quite frankly, news of Harry's betrothal was probably more interesting than this game although there was a certain comedic value about the standard of play on occasions. City fielded five trialists and I learned during the match that the Wurzels were also playing a trial match behind closed doors against Newport simultaneously making this fixture even more meaningless than usual.
City were somehow two up at half time through a decent Mark Harris goal and an own goal but Brizzle had much the better of the second half, deservedly drew level and should have gone on to win.
I am more and more of the opinion that these U23 games have little value and a return to a reserve team competition with no age limits which would give promising youngsters the opportunity to play against experienced pros returning from injury or loss of form would be a better platform for all concerned. Judging by the team fielded today, I'm wondering if the Club are also beginning to think these games are of little use.

[Loramski]

TOBW and I duly attended today but, unfortunately, only one sub was named (Warren Burwood, a goalkeeper) and his girlfriend couldn't be there which made a significant difference to today's attendance. I'm assuming Loramski was also lurking behind a pillar somewhere but today's royal engagement also appears to have kept a number of celebrating supporters away.
Quite frankly, news of Harry's betrothal was probably more interesting than this game although there was a certain comedic value about the standard of play on occasions. City fielded five trialists and I learned during the match that the Wurzels were also playing a trial match behind closed doors against Newport simultaneously making this fixture even more meaningless than usual.
City were somehow two up at half time through a decent Mark Harris goal and an own goal but Brizzle had much the better of the second half, deservedly drew level and should have gone on to win.
I am more and more of the opinion that these U23 games have little value and a return to a reserve team competition with no age limits which would give promising youngsters the opportunity to play against experienced pros returning from injury or loss of form would be a better platform for all concerned. Judging by the team fielded today, I'm wondering if the Club are also beginning to think these games are of little use.

Couldn't make today's game. There was a brainstorming session in the Loan Watch office and, quite frankly, I needed to be there. I shouldn't be rude about my staff but you'd be lucky to get a gentle breeze out of their brains, never mind a storm.

Hard to disagree with your last paragraph, I've been coming to the same conclusion recently. I was posting stuff about the Duffus move and thinking 'I'm sure this wasn't always my view'. I really couldn't think of one negative about it (until he pulled his hamstring, of course).

[the other bob wilson]

TOBW and I duly attended today but, unfortunately, only one sub was named (Warren Burwood, a goalkeeper) and his girlfriend couldn't be there which made a significant difference to today's attendance. I'm assuming Loramski was also lurking behind a pillar somewhere but today's royal engagement also appears to have kept a number of celebrating supporters away.
Quite frankly, news of Harry's betrothal was probably more interesting than this game although there was a certain comedic value about the standard of play on occasions. City fielded five trialists and I learned during the match that the Wurzels were also playing a trial match behind closed doors against Newport simultaneously making this fixture even more meaningless than usual.
City were somehow two up at half time through a decent Mark Harris goal and an own goal but Brizzle had much the better of the second half, deservedly drew level and should have gone on to win.
I am more and more of the opinion that these U23 games have little value and a return to a reserve team competition with no age limits which would give promising youngsters the opportunity to play against experienced pros returning from injury or loss of form would be a better platform for all concerned. Judging by the team fielded today, I'm wondering if the Club are also beginning to think these games are of little use.

Here's my blog piece on yesterday's match which concentrates on the themes you developed above - you also get a mention, but not a namecheck .

http://mauveandyellowarmy.net/

[Loramski]

The Under 23 side are at home to the wurzels today, so if anyone fancies joining me, Cyncoed Slumdog and the girlfriend of one of the subs at the wind blasted Leckwith athletics stadium it kicks off at 1pm.

Also, there was a defeat for the Under 18s at Millwall on Saturday despite a second hat trick of the season for Sion Spence - the match finished 4-3. Wonder if he'll get some game time today in what should be a young Development team side?

When I say Hereford get decent crowds in comparison to our under-23s I'm referring to quantity rather than quality, of course.

Where is Spence playing for the Academy to be getting all these goals? I haven't seen much of him but he looked a bit lost last season playing wide in a front 3, he was far more comfortable in the midfield without ever looking like a goalscorer in the way that Waite does. Obviously, the Academy is an easier level for him but is it as simple as that or has he changed his style of play at all?

[the other bob wilson]

When I say Hereford get decent crowds in comparison to our under-23s I'm referring to quantity rather than quality, of course.

Where is Spence playing for the Academy to be getting all these goals? I haven't seen much of him but he looked a bit lost last season playing wide in a front 3, he was far more comfortable in the midfield without ever looking like a goalscorer in the way that Waite does. Obviously, the Academy is an easier level for him but is it as simple as that or has he changed his style of play at all?

Spence is playing more of a number ten role these days and has occasionally been used as a striker, his finishing has improved as he has gained confidence from scoring more often and also because you only have to watch this season's Academy team play for a short while to realise that he is the one they look to for attacking inspiration - he was good at Under 18 level last season, but sometime could fade out of games , it's different this season though, because he is a central figure in the team as opposed to someone who was often taking a back seat to the more established members of the side.

[ccfc_is_my_life]

Spence is playing more of a number ten role these days and has occasionally been used as a striker, his finishing has improved as he has gained confidence from scoring more often and also because you only have to watch this season's Academy team play for a short while to realise that he is the one they look to for attacking inspiration - he was good at Under 18 level last season, but sometime could fade out of games , it's different this season though, because he is a central figure in the team as opposed to someone who was often taking a back seat to the more established members of the side.

Sounds like the club got it right with him this season then, give him that responsibility let him show what he can do with that added pressure.

[Blue in the Face]

..... there was a defeat for the Under 18s at Millwall on Saturday despite a second hat trick of the season for Sion Spence - the match finished 4-3. Wonder if he'll get some game time today in what should be a young Development team side?

Highlights now up on ifollow

[the other bob wilson]

Highlights now up on ifollow

Thanks, I see Spence has scored twelve times at Academy level now this season.