Y&E U21s won again on Saturday, with a hard earned three points against Bedale AFC at the Heck Stadium.

The win sees them consolidate their position in the top three position where they are just one point behind leaders Grangetown Boys Club reserves.

With no first team game, it was good to see a decent Y&E contingent backing the lads. The JL10 supporters club was in attendance as first team player of the season 24/25 Josh Larkin made his first appearance in Y&E blue since the end of last season following a knee injury and subsequent surgery. He lined up in starting XI in behind striker Grant Catnach who was looking to build on his 15 goal start to the season.

We lined up with Cody Powell in goal, James Ward, James Nicholson, Johnny Baines and Kayden Robinson across the back four. In midfield Sean Earl, Jordan Fletcher, Ste Innes and Harvey Hinckes, with Larkin and Grant up front. On the bench Louis Vasallo, Jacob Walden, Naod Okbagebril, Ollie Stewart Titchener and Sam Raine.

It took a little while for the Y&E to settle into the game. Bedale got off to a decent start, playing some decent football with plenty of energy. They had a few half chances and shaded the opening spell. The Y&E U21s began to come in the game a bit more with Harvey on the left hand side looking to use his power and pace. We fell a goal behind midway through the first half, a nice finish from the Bedale 10, hooking it in the top corner from the edge of the box. On the balance of play, it was probably deserved. The hosts missed a glorious opportunity a few minutes later as the they somehow managed to put the ball wide when scoring would be easier. The young Eagles began to pick up steam and Grant capitalised on a mistake from the Bedale centre half to break free and calmly slot home the equaliser. This meant we went in 1-1 at half time.

Out for the second half and we looked to get a bit of momentum up. We had a decent spell, but Bedale were solid at the back and were battling in midfield. Both sides had a few chances, but it was still a stalemate. That was broken around the hour mark when left back Johnny Baines drove forward and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, which beat the keeper. 2-1 Y&E. We made sure of the points a little later, when Ollie Stewart Titchener, floated a lovely left footed free kick from around the half way line in to the box and Grant was on hand to head home. Good to see assists from set pieces runs in the family. There were a couple of late scares for both teams, but the score remained 3-1.

Credit to Bedale, they kept going despite going behind. They played well and their league position on that form looks false! They will be rueing their missed chances.

As for the U21s – came back from a goal down, to win 3-1. They played well. Plenty of good talent coming through the ranks, and the potential for some of them to push for a first team place with the packed fixture list over the next few weeks. It was good to see them play and see how they have developed as players and as a team since last season, some stronger voices from the likes of James Ward and James Nicholson at the back and seeing Grant banging in the goals. Credit to Ali and BG as coaches and the team. Cracking bunch of lads who are doing the club proud.

You can catch them this coming Saturday at 2pm at Conyers. Get a double Y&E hit this weekend after the first team trip to Billy Town on Friday night.

Howay the mighty Y&E U21s.