7 out of 11

[MOZZER2]

starters today were a product of our academy

think the average age of first 11 is 21.9 years

got to give credit when it's due but well done to the club maybe forced because of the finances but still our manager was willing to throw them in

[J R Hartley]

Whilst I agree I think against better opposition we would have been found wanting today.

For all the hype about Lawlor he was bullied by their 9 and lucky not be sent off, and I don’t know how Ashford lasted so long before being subbed.

We seriously need some better players through the door if we are to get back up this season:

[MOZZER2]

Whilst I agree I think against better opposition we would have been found wanting today.

For all the hype about Lawlor he was bullied by their 9 and lucky not be sent off, and I don’t know how Ashford lasted so long before being subbed.

We seriously need some better players through the door if we are to get back up this season:

agree against championship teams think our back 4 would be found wanting

as the old cliche goes you can only beat what;s in front of you but signs today were encouraging

I notice Turnbull was left out today due to breaking some codes of conduct think we would have started today ahead of Colwill

Will be interesting how BBM sets up against Port Vale

[Des Parrot]

I’m pretty sure that’s our youngest ever starting 11 for a league game

[Pedro de la Rosa]

Whilst I agree I think against better opposition we would have been found wanting today.

For all the hype about Lawlor he was bullied by their 9 and lucky not be sent off, and I don’t know how Ashford lasted so long before being subbed.

We seriously need some better players through the door if we are to get back up this season:

Pace, pace and more pace required. Too much of the game is played in front of their back 4. We need an experienced CB to lead that defence too.

[jon1959]

9 out of 16.

[FormerlyJohnnyBreadhead]

For all the hype about Lawlor he was bullied by their 9 and lucky not be sent off, and I don’t know how Ashford lasted so long before being subbed.

What worries me is that Chambers would have been bullied by him too, and there'll be a lot more of those types of 9s this season.

[Shute]

What worries me is that Chambers would have been bullied by him too, and there'll be a lot more of those types of 9s this season.

I'm not sure Lawlor was bullied but he did at times mistime his challenges. I think it's par for the course for young defenders to make mistakes and he'll have learnt more today than any other game he's played in his life. We've got to let these young players grow.

[MOZZER2]

10 Academy Grads in Squad
9 with game time
7 starters
2 goal scorers
1 Captain
18yr old scoring the winner in front of the Canton
CCS Bouncing

Well done to all the staff at @CF11Academy for the many years of hard work & to the players families for the years of dedication �������� pic.twitter.com/tPYyhFJ6Ui

— Gavin chesterfield (@Gavchesterfield) August 3, 2025

[J R Hartley]

I'm not sure Lawlor was bullied but he did at times mistime his challenges. I think it's par for the course for young defenders to make mistakes and he'll have learnt more today than any other game he's played in his life. We've got to let these young players grow.

He got pinned quite a few times and also had to resort to taking the number 9 out a couple of times too. Thought he was very comfortable in possession and passing into midfield, that was a big positive, but his defensive work could have been better. I also think he let the booking affect his game. He was lucky. It to be sent off shortly after only the ref gave the penalty instead.That will come with experience I suppose.

Heard a fella behind me sum it up perfectly after the booking. He said he’s used to be being the big dominant defender in development football, too strong for lads his age, but first team football against men is a whole other level and he can’t just go flying in and trying to go through opponents like he did for the booking.

Again, he will be better for the experience with each and every first team match. I just think people need to manage expectations with the lad as he’s nowhere near the finished article yet.

[NYCBlue]

It's nice to have so many Welsh and home grown players in the side, but this team is too young for the job at hand.

[J R Hartley]

It's nice to have so many Welsh and home grown players in the side, but this team is too young for the job at hand.

It’s too young for a 46 game slog. Especially when the Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday schedule gets into full swing and the pitches are not like yesterdays bowling green.

Yesterday’s conditions were perfect for a team full of youngsters to zip the ball about. It will be a different story come November.