We can bring you up-to-date on how our academy has began their season.
With three games played so far, Academy Head of Coaching, Conrad Prendergast talks us through the opening few matches.
The first game of season Away to Halifax town resulted in a 4-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Finley Lynch (2), Max McCarthy and Owen Robinson.
U19 National League
Halifax Town 0-4 AFC Fylde
Conrad’s thoughts from the win over Halifax were: “A great start to our league campaign with a convincing win.
“The first goal came just after five minutes when Owen Robinson played a crafty ball over the back four, where Rhys Long made a sharp run off the shoulder of the Halifax full back, before sliding the ball across the box for Finley Lynch to open the scoring.
“Going into half time with a 1-0 lead and being unfortunate not to have double the scoreline following a penalty miss from Owen Robinson, 10 minutes into the second half that was redeemed by a fantastic free kick, right footed into the top left of the goal from 25 yards out.
“Finley Lynch then scored his second 20 minutes from time, which was then closely followed up by a Max McCarthy volley inside the 18 yard box to seal the victory.”
FA Youth Cup
AFC Fylde (p)2-2 Stockport Town
Conrad’s thoughts on the hard-fought FA Youth Cup victory over Stockport Town, can be found below!
He said: “A stale mate first half against stockport town saw our U18’s FA Youth Cup side frustrated at half time with the score at 0-0.
“Five minutes into the second half, a neat combination between Owen Robinson and Harvey Gregson provided an opportunity for Rhys Long, who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. Stockport Town responded well following a set-piece, goalkeeper Jack Boult could have done better to deal with the ball in but the mistake levelled the scoring.
“With 10 minutes remaining it was Max McCarthy who added to his seasonal goal tally, as he popped up with Fylde’s second goal and what was thought to be the winning goal of the game.
“With 60 seconds left on the referee’s watch, Fylde foolishly attempted a shot from 25 yards which resulted in an easy catch for the keeper before he played his kick long. Alex Rhodes failed to win the header, allowing the Stockport Town striker to get in behind where he levelled the scoring and took the game to penalties.
“In goal, Jack Boult made amends for his earlier mistake make by pulling off two fantastic saves, whilst Fylde made their spot kicks count.
“We face Clitheroe FC in the next round!”
U19 National League
Darlington 1-12 AFC Fylde
Conrad’s thoughts on another excellent victory!
He said: “Looking to add another three points at this early stage in the season, we travelled away once again this time to Darlington. The first half was not one the players and manager Conrad Prendergast were particularly impressed with despite a two goal advantage.
“The second half saw two changes as Maine Walder came in at CB and Dan Bellion replaced Harvey Gregson in CM.
“A fantastic display of quality in respect of moving the ball, creating chances and capitalising was clear to see. Max McCarthy, Rhys Long, Leon Wright, Ollie Orr, Finley Lynch and Theo Ball added to their goal tally for the season, as Fylde gained a further three points and moved to the top of the National League table.”
Academy Head of coaching Conrad Prendergast then shared his thoughts on the opening couple of weeks of the season, as a whole. Telling us:
“We have been pleased with our start to the season, we prepared particularly well to the Halifax fixture and we were rewarded with a perfect performance which should have set us up very nicely to take on Stockport Town in the FA Youth Cup.
“This competition in particular is of great importance to the players and staff which ultimately got the better of our performance on the night, the players looked nervous and almost too up for the game, which led an underwhelming performance but we still managed to do enough to progress.”
The Youth team face Clitheroe U18s in the next round of the competition and Conrad is hopeful for further progression in the competition.
He concluded: “We have just returned from Darlington in the National League where our second half performance was brilliant, the players set a particularly high standard for themselves and if consistent, we will be so so hard to beat.”
