All the Latest from Our Young Gulls
It’s been another productive weekend in Torquay United’s Youth Department, and here we take a look back at a busy weekend for our Young Gulls.
Under 8s v Taunton U9s
The boys played well against an older age group, working well around the pitch and passing the ball. A few slight errors allowed Taunton to score some easy goals, but there were some great tackles at the back, and some lovely runs down the line.
There was a fantastic finish from their own half from one of our midfielders, and the lads now move onto next week when they will start playing their own age group.
It’s been a tough month, but everyone at TUFC is proud of them all turning up, and giving it their all!
Under 10 Blues v Saints Somerset
Our lads earned a lot of credit for what was a really good, physical game where both sets of players were hugely committed.
In the first quarter, our Young Gulls matched the tempo of their opponents and found the bits of quality required to find Theo Adelsbury and earn themselves a convincing advantage.
The second quarter saw Saints take control to reduce the deficit, but in the third the lads regrouped, and after being reminded of the need to keep a calm head after winning the ball and to find their passes, the team scored some great goals on the counter-attack to finish the game strongly.
Loui Doyle was selected as United’s star man for his excellent work rate & passing range.
Under 10 Yellows v Chivenor
Our U10 Yellows delivered a stand out performance against Chivenor.
After a few wobbles in recent weeks, the boys really kicked into gear last Saturday, as they showcased their skills and scored plenty of goals too!
Both teams should be congratulated for their efforts.
Under 11 Yellows v Juventus Blacks
Despite only having seven players available, the players that were available gave it their all against Juventus.
No more could have been asked of the team, with their commitment and resilience making their coach very proud of their efforts. With just one recognised defender in the squad, other players where asked to sit in and do a job, and they responded by giving it their all!
Inexperience at this level can be costly, and so it proved on Saturday, but with the Yellows looking to add more players to their squad soon, there’s plenty of reasons to be positive for this fantastic group!
South Gloucestershire 3 – 3 Under 12s
Our U12s were also low on numbers for their tough trip to South Gloucestershire, but the nine available players certainly showed what the group are all about!
Having started slowly and found themselves 2-0 down to two early goals, the boys regrouped, settled into the game and started putting South Gloucestershire under real pressure, winning the first and second balls and competing for everything.
The response was excellent, as The Gulls went into half time level at 2-2.
The lads continued to press in the second half and defended really well, showing a great desire to work for each other. After going 3-2 ahead in the final quarter, it looked like they had done enough to see the game out, but a late lapse in concentration allowed their opponents to grab a late leveller.
Although it was disappointing not to hold on for the win, the boys can be really proud of their performance – Well done, lads!
Under 13s 2 – 0 Taunton
Our Under 13s made a slow start to their game, with the team lacking the intensity and quality needed to break down a well-organised mid-block team who were looking to play on the counter. Early on, the Young Gulls were often found forcing the ball forward too often and not sticking to what they know best.
After the second half though, some changes and an instruction to stick to their principles brought about the desired result, as the team produced some quality two and three touch football, with excellent movement off the ball and a commitment to changing the direction of the play.
From there, our Young Gulls took control and dominated the game through their possession, creating chance after chance and could easily have had double figures with some better finishing!
The biggest positive was how the lads grew into the game with an improved work rate, enabling them to playing the football they are capable of.
A clean sheet, two goals and plenty of positives to take forward!
Bristol Inner City 4 – 4 Under 14s
Having travelled with a squad of 12 to take on a strong Bristol Inner City side for their first league fixture, United secured an impressive draw to maintain their seven-match unbeaten run.
Torquay made a positive start by taking the lead, however, the response after scoring was below the standard expected, as three errors allowed Bristol to score three times during a ten-minute spell.
With greater concentration, resilience and responsibility required, the boys showed plenty character to stand up to the challenge, as they scored some excellent goals and bring the game back to 4 – 4 in the dying stages of the game.
With the result up-for-grabs, our U14s weren’t quite able to secure the win, with Man of the Match Jacob Tomlinson making some excellent saves late on to help us secure the draw.
Teddy Shobbrook (2), Freddy Bonner and Freddie Bradford were the goalscorers on the day, with the challenge now to apply the learning points and begin next week with the standards and focus required.
Under 16s 1 – 0 Plymouth Argyle
A top-class performance from the whole U16 team on Saturday wiped away memories of a difficult start to the season, as United secured a much- needed win over their Devon rivals.
A first minute goal gave our lads an early boost, before Oscar made a crucial penalty save to keep Torquay’s lead intact.
Every player kept to the game plan, maintained their shape, stayed compact and identified the moments when to press, which was very pleasing for the Under-16 Coaches, after the group had worked hard on this aspect in training.
all-in-all, it was a brilliant performance, and hopefully one they can build on!
Wimborne Town 2 – 1 Under 18s
Wimborne were a big physical side playing direct style of football, and with United starting a bit slow, they initially weren’t ready for their direct approach.
However, the Young Gulls slowly grew into the game with some great passing football through the thirds. After missing two good chances to take the lead, the match was goalless at the halfway stage.
The boys came out and started the second half very brightly, but unfortunately fell behind against the run of play to a good low strike from outside of the box.
Ten minutes later, it was 2-0 to the hosts through an unfortunate own goal, leaving the U18s with a mountain to climb. Torquay rallied though, and after hitting the crossbar from a corner, moments later they were back in the game after Luka Rice pulled one back via the peanlty spot.
The lads continued to push hard until the end in search of an equaliser, but in the end, the ran out of time after what was a good contest.
