U21 Scouting Report

Coventry City U21 1 v Sheffield United U21 2

Monday 22 February 2016

U21 Professional Development League 2, North

Played at The Alan Higgs Centre, Coventry
(169th ground watching a Sheffield United XI)

Twitter @ball_sup

Onwards. Continuing a good season for the U21s. Other results didn’t quite go our way. And the League is a bit messy. Huddersfield have played two games less than us. But, that is 13 unbeaten in the league. We stay second. Now only a point behind Huddersfield & eight points clear of Hull in third (although we’ve played a game more than them). We’re punching above our weight. We’re the only league one team in the top 5. The others are all Championship clubs.

Another straightforward but competent display. Coventry had a fair few chances. But, we had many more. It wasn’t complete domination. But, we were the far better team.

The main negative was a lack lustre display from Jake Wright. He just never seemed to get going. Coventry’s goal came from a defensive slip from Callum Semple. Which was a pity, because he had a fine game save for that blip. Good positioning. Strong when winning headers. Looking for the ball. Pushing it forward into midfield. Morgs has gone now. But, the Centre Half Production Line goes on.

Tel Kennedy was alongside him. Didn’t put a foot wrong. But, Coventry were a bit lightweight upfront. Best I can say is - good workout for him. Shea Gordon & Graham Kelly are versatile. Gordon sometimes pops up in midfield. Kelly sometimes at centre half. Both are young enough to pop up in the 18s sometimes. They played at full back today. Both have the pace to push forward.

I was pleasantly surprised by Harvey Gilmour in midfield. He’s another young ‘un. He didn’t run the show. But, he was always in it & busy & accurate.

I think you’d have to go a long way to find a bigger critic of Diego than me. But, from a good place. I just so much want the Lad to do well. He scored both goals out there. The second one was really good. He made that happen. Made a little run out right towards the ball. A marauding Shea Gordon dinked it in to him. Essentially on the corner of the penalty area with his back to goal. He put his body in the right position. Shielded it from his marker. Stayed strong. Just turned him with his weight. Lovely close control. Bit of pace to push clear and a dead-eye shot. Page one of the coaching manual. The Door is being knocked on.

His first wasn’t bad either. A good assist from David Brooks.

The beer was a slightly disappointing Shiny, Wrench on cask at 4.4%. A stout. But, it was a little thin & not much toast coming through.

281/580