United’s Under-18s produced a stunning display on Saturday morning, as Swindon Supermarine were comprehensively beaten 10-0 at South Devon College.
Not content with a three-goal advantage at the break – courtesy of strikes from Joe Edmonds, Lewis Brooks and Theo Cadby – Chris Todd’s men ruthlessly upped the ante in the second period, as they hit the double-figure mark, thanks to further strikes from Sam Bishop, Jack Winsor, Ben Aldous, in addition to a hat-trick from Harvey Field.
Despite having the opportunity to draw level with Torquay in the table prior to kick-off, the visitors were no match for the Young Gulls on this occasion, with the result further strengthening United’s South West Counties title ambitions.
Following the match, Head of Youth Todd spoke of his delight with not just the result, but the manner in which it was achieved.
“Swindon are up near the top, and have been for most of the season, so you can only do what you can do out on the pitch, and who you’re up against. The boys put in a performance, and got ten goals in the end. It was very good, because it’s very easy to take your foot off the gas when you’re in those positions, but we were playing all the time, and it’s the consistency that you’re trying to maintain as a group, and the boys have done that.
“We’ve tried to teach the players to go and press, win the ball back as quickly as you can, and try and take the ball forward. We work really hard on that, it’s something I wanted to instil into them, it’s my philosophy, the Club’s philosophy, and the Gaffer’s as well. The boys have got that to a tee at the moment, and they work extremely hard. That comes down to workrate, and their endeavour, and it’s very positive. The performance showed that – they got the ball back, and scored goals.”
As well as being well-placed for an assault on the league title, United remain in the latter stages of both the Devon Youth Cup and Gary Else League Cup, meaning that silverware may be on offer before the season is out.
“They’re a talented bunch of lads, and it’s all down to them and their hard work on a daily basis. They train with me at South Devon College, and they work night and day, they really do. It’s non-stop from them, and if they keep doing that, there will be rewards at the end of it.”