It may have seemed like a quiet time on the Youth team-front - except for the disappointing announcement of the departure of Ryan Waterman and Ben Williamson to Tonbridge. Yet U18 Coach Darrell Cousins reports that overall pre-season has gone well with his side back preparing for the coming season for the past six weeks.
“As you’d expect, we haven't had every player at the sessions due to holidays but overall, the players are settling in well,” he remarked. “We have added some second year U18s in Adam Selmi, Sam Adams and Roman Browne to this year’s squad - and we have others we are looking at, but I’m happy with the way things are shaping up.”
Cousins predicts that this will be a tough year in the Kent Youth League U18 Central Division - but also that there will be some surprise packages with some new teams entering this season (including The Wells).
“I went to watch our first opponents, West Wickham, the other week and they looked a strong outfit,” he offered. “However, we will compete as much as we have done over the last few seasons at U14, U15 and U16 level. Last year’s efforts will be a hard act to follow, and this year could be a year in which we regroup and bring on some more players for Martin Larkin to think about for the season after. The majority of teams will be second year U18s in this league. It’s certainly going to be a good test for our lads.”
Last Saturday, Cousins' side played their first pre-season friendly against Blackham & Ashurst of the Crowborough Premier Division. With players missing due to work/holiday, Cousins himself had to don the gloves and deputise for Callum Hampson - much to the amusement of the rest of the team. “As with all pre-season games this was a chance to have a look at the players who have been training with the squad,” Cousins remarked.
The Wells were immediately on the attack and found themselves in front with skipper Barden running down the right and with a cross-come-shot, eluded the keeper for 1-0. Sam Adams doubled the lead - slotting home a poorly defended corner that followed a spell of good passing play from The Wells.
Blackham & Ashurst responded, putting more pressure on The Wells’ defence and they were rewarded as their forward poked the ball past the despairing keeper… Worse was to come and the home team drew level before the break. Nonetheless, The Wells continued to complete and were producing some decent football in spite of the set-back.
Into the second half, and the game proved an even affair with both teams creating chances but failing to make either keeper work initially. That changed in favour of The Wells though and the predatory Jack Harris was on-hand to pop up and nod home before Selmi secured a 4-2 win with the goal his efforts richly deserved.
All-in-all, a satisfactory performance according to Cousins: “Considering new players were involved, and this was our first game against a senior side this year, it wasn’t bad. Tougher asks will come along, but overall, well done lads.
“Concerning the league, as I said, we will be looking to finish as high as possible - but Kevin Waterman and myself believe we have a squad which can compete in the Central Division. This Sunday we play our final warm-up game against Pembury Sunday Team (seniors) at Woodside, 10.30 kick off, before we go to West Wickham on September 5th for our first competitive game in the U18 Central Division.” |