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The 2nd goalkeeper also impressed me.

I'd say there was nearer 200 AFC fans there.

I think 200odd fans, a good turnout. Played better than Saturday, much more joined up I thought, although some of the players lack of a first touch can stifle attacks.

Did have a real spell of pressure in the second half and nearly broke through, Whitworths third was a fluke but first two were taken well. Another enjoyable night however, and nice to see some progress.

http://thetippingpoint-rufus.blogspot.c ... esult.html

*Picture of ground from phone on blog...exciting stuff ;)

Was this ww u18s or reserves? Sounds like progress is being made

nick wrote:Was this ww u18s or reserves? Sounds like progress is being made

U18's I think, unless someone can correct me?

It was their U18s, apparently most of them were playing for Earls Barton U16s last season!!

Basil wrote:It was their U18s, apparently most of them were playing for Earls Barton U16s last season!!

Corse they were. Earls Barton is the breeding ground for many a great footballer. Don't know what it is in the water round here. ;)

Another enjoyable evening, some good football played at times - we just want a goal to cheer. I'm really enjoying this and could see progress on the pitch even though we lost, at this point the learning and gelling is more important than the results.

I tried to do a quick head count around the ground, I'd say around 250 there tonight, can't really say how many were AFC fans, but there was a really good turnout from us and lots of familiar faces.

Looking at the conifers as a backdrop to the football pitch was quite nostalgic as well !!

Earls Barton did not have an U16 team last year.
You will come across much better U18's teams than Whitworths this season.

Diamond Warrior wrote:

olio wrote:Lost 3-0. Played alright, especially second half. No. 5, 17 and 14 all impressesd me, should have scored second half, through on goal but it was saved. Very impressed by work rate never let their heads drop. Overall, enjoyed it very much and future looks promising.

The first No.14, or the 2nd? I didn't think the first one was that good. Lost count how many times he lost the ball!

No.9, when he played on the left side of midfield was very impressive.

The second one impressed me. The first one, like you said, struggled. I thought we passed the ball around quite well, but we didn't have that killer pass to split their well organised defence. Considering it was only the second time these lads had ever played together, I was very impressed. Onwards and upwards to Sunday

Results don't particularly matter at this point (and, without wanting to disrespect the efforts of the U18s), the fortunes on the field this season aren't really that important.

It's all about building a base for the senior squad next year (which will hopefully feature a number of this year's players) and beginning the long road back to where we belong.

Nice to see another decent attendance for a youth team friendly.