Excited to play a National League side this week. I think the fixtures are a little off, this round was played last week I think, I definitely played Bournemouth U23's and we were the home team.
These games are great opportunities for our young players to play against men and develop their skills at managing games and managing the physical aspect of the game. We are without Gordon after he was sent off on the weekend but we should otherwise be fine.
Newcastle are a good side, however we are confident we can get a positive result. We have played some very good football lately and the players are really working hard. I have been really proud how they have committed to my ideas and worked hard to put them across. I believe in the squad and what we're working on with the players.
We lost our last league game in a way the team would not want to have happened. The players know this was a terrible result in the last game and that it needs to improve quickly. Playing against Nottingham forest under 23s wil be a tough match for the moors however I have every confidence in my players and that they can achieve a positive result.
We lost our opening game at home to Coventry and now face a daunting trip to Liverpool. The Reds have always had a very good U23 setup and this will not be an easy fixture!
Our season has started abysmally with only an extra time win in the FMFA Cup to show for our efforts. We need to get some wins on the board quickly.
Liverpool aren't as strong in the U23s as they have been before but still formidable opponents. It's a shame we have to play them now before Maghoma rates up and becomes ineligible (well - him or another of their over rated)! They are at full strength and we expect them to field their top side.
We also have no injury concerns and will be hoping we can pick up at least a point to stop our losing streak. If we do lose we may well have to write off this competition and play the reserves to maintain fitness for the other games
A second successive away game for us to start this cup as we travel the short distance to the Baggies for a local derby. We drew our first game up at Buxton and need to start getting some wins on the board. West Brom are a strange club where the U23s are arguably stronger than the seniors and we know they won't give us an easy game. Having said that we played them twice last season winning 4-0 at their ground and 2-0 at home so we know we can pick up the points.
However, our season has not started as planned with a win, a draw and a loss so we need to get back on track. Whilst they will be at full strength we are without the suspended Lamare Bogarde which is a big loss for us in the midfield.
I am sure the wins will come this season but we need to get up and running in this comp in particular - before it's too late
