Y&E U21s were defeated in a nine goal thriller at Conyers, with New Marske winning 5-4 after having been 4-0 up at half time.
Following last Saturday’s 3-1 victory away in the league at Bedale, Ali & BG made a few changes for the visit of New Marske in the Lou Moore Trophy. With a pretty much full U21 squad being bolstered by first team forward Josh Larkin and the returning Ben Powell who has rejoined the club following and early season move to Synners.
The first half was one to forget for the U21s, whilst they had a decent amount of possession they were unable to find a way through. In contrast the New Marske number 9 was clinical, capitalising on a misplaced defensive header on 23 mins to finish well past Cody Powell on goal for the U21s. He doubled his tally on 34 mins, latching in to a long ball before finishing well. He sealed his hat trick on 38mins, pouncing on a loose pass the back before another good finish. He made it 4 on 44 minutes with a mix up at the back for the U21s and another good finish.
Into the second half and a few changes for the U21s as the management team looked to use the bench to freshen things up. We started better with Grant having a few half chances to get a goal back. Josh Larkin had a shot hit the post from distance. The U21s got one back from Stephen Innes heading home a corner at the far post. 4-1. The young Eagles were getting some space down the flanks and Grant had a shot just wide.
The visitors made it 5-1 with their 9 again finding space and a quality finish from the right hand side of the box. From that point on it was pretty much one way traffic, Grant scored a header from a cross to make it 5-2 and then grabbed another soon after to make it 5-3. With about 10 minutes left Jordan Fletcher scored a screamer from 20 yards to make it 5-4. Despite all out attack for the remainder of the game, the Y&E couldn’t get the fifth and it finished 5-4 to the visitors.
New Marske played really well. Their 9 was on fire, five goals is some feat. They kept going and all 11 played the full 90mins as they didn’t have any subs. Best of luck to them for the remainder of the season.
Some valuable experience for the U21s. They came back well in the second half but a few misplaced passes and headers at the back first half were punished. They created plenty of chances second half but couldn’t quite get the equaliser. Good minutes for the whole squad, with pretty much every player getting at least 35minutes or so. On to the next game, at home against Richmond town Reserves in the North Riding Cup.