Newcastle

[Steven]

From Thracian on FT. :icon_wink

Academy squander two-goal lead

First half goals by left-winger Jorrin John and striker Craig King were squandered by Leicester City Under 18's who finally finished 2-2 against Newcastle at Belvoir Drive on Saturday.

City had an abundance of first half chances to win the game by a distance but one by one they were wasted.

Second half City seemed strangely lacking in energy and attacking commitment and Newcastle took advantage with two goals, one after Lathaniel Rowe-Turner had clumsily fouled one of their giant strikers for a penalty, duly despatched.

No idea what's wrong but Rowe-Turner looked a shadow of his former self. He looked unfit and either disinterested or simply lacking in drive and energy, whichever it was.

Two seasons ago he'd looked a pacey and committed player but on Saturday he was down, resting hands on knees at times, and Newcastle sometimes drove at leisure through the gaping holes in our backline.

One positive was the return after long-term injury of Billy Kee, a bulldog striker in the Arthur Rowley mould, who almost fashioned a goal with his first significant touch and later just failed to capitalise with a rasping volley.

There was another chance to see the promising Luke O'Neill at right-back. Once again he showed himself well capable of fulfilling the demanding wing-back role by supporting so many of our attacks.

But this team displayed nothing like the threat of our Academy championship winning team of two seasons back.
There wasn't the driving ruthlessness and hunger for goals, nor the ability to press the game so high up the pitch and in such numbers.

There wasn't the individual sparkle or the collective impetus.

Jorrin John bagged a goal from the left-wing but missed other chances and, although competent enough, didn't have the eyecatching effect that his reputation promised. I'm sure that will change as the team's cohesion and understanding improves.

Billy Kee will worry anyone if he stays sharp but he'll need some assistance and while Craig King always looks promising he still has the habit of taking too many touches, though he did take his goal well and a scoring start should set him up for what will be an important year for him. Robbie Burns was well involved too out of right midfield but didn't quite make enough happen on the day.

Newcastle had two big strikers who were bound to present a threat but overall, City should have sewn the game up by half-time and paid the price for their wastefulness and lack of sharpness.

 

[Hazzman]

Stood next to Kee and his Dad yesterday at Quorn. Reckons there was a scout there watching him but I suppose there's scouts at almost every academy game every Saturday morning.

I am after the first names of the subs, I am developing a very simple excel spread with all the appearances and stats etc.

 

[Scarby]

that Craig King is a prospect, he a stormer against Ilkeston.

 

[Bilborough Fox]

that Craig King is a prospect, he a stormer against Ilkeston.

Agree with that, best player on the field in that game in the second half.

 

[Steven]

From FT. :icon_bigg :icon_wink

Jonbluefox9

Steven, someone on there wants to know the first names of the subs. Cian Bolger, Nathan Hicks and Elliott Chamberlain I think they are, if you want to let them know. I'm not registered on there

Thracian

That Bolger lad - he came on as a second half substitute - is about the tallest Academy youngster I've seen in a City shirt. He almost has to crouch even for defensive clearances! :icon_bigg

 

[DesertFox]

That Bolger lad - he came on as a second half substitute - is about the tallest Academy youngster I've seen in a City shirt. He almost has to crouch even for defensive clearances!

He has to dance robitically to make a clearance? Interesting...

 

[Hazzman]

From FT. :icon_bigg :icon_wink

Jonbluefox9

Tell him Danke Schon. I was aware of Elliott Chamberlain, not the rest.