FMFA Manager

Scunthorpe 3-1 Wolves u23s.

The experience of first team football told a lot here. Scunthorpe were the better team by far and deserved this result. Silva did get a goal back for us which was a positive however it shows that our players have a lot more development needed in order to start keeping up with first team players on a regular bases. I was proud however because although we lost our players tried hard and did not lower their heads and give up.

Solihull Moors 1-0 Manchester city u23s.

A very hard game however we did what was needed. That's two in two games now for Calumn so he's finally starting to find his shooting boots. We'll have to assess Holms and we've got cem out now due to the two yello cards. Really proud of how well the players adapted to the new formation and they were in control for large parts of the game. Manchester city as expected were a tough side to beat and they played some fantastic football making it very hard for us.

Darlington 3 - 0 Sunderland U23

In my brain I had this grand plan of overloading their low block and defeating their approach of trying to hit us on the break. I didn't think for a second - even after talking up National League sides - that they'd really try to pass through us, I thought they'd be cautious at home. Instead Darlington put on a great display of positive football and that meant we weren't really ever in this one. When they've slapped off 27 shots and passed through you 23 times we should be grateful it's only a 3-0 loss. Lightfoot's work rate at the back meant it wasn't more.

I don't think I'll be sending out just three lads at the back any time soon, that's for sure! Well played Darlington.