The young Sky Blues Under-18s league campaign resumed last week with a narrow defeat to Barnsley.
The Sky Blues fell to a 2-1 loss in their first game back of 2021 and speaking after the final whistle, Chay Thompson reflected on a tight game.
“We had some really good spells in the game, where we were brave, dominated the ball and got round seconds, especially in the first half where we created a few good chances and scored a great goal through Bradley Stretton.
“It was disappointing to lose the game as I don’t think we deserved to lose it. I think a draw would have been a fair result for both teams but it’s disappointing to lose the game through such fine margins.”
Two goals just before halftime left the two sides level going into the break and with the game very tight, it was clear to see where a winner would come from.
“We said at halftime we thought a mistake might win the game, I was quite cagey and tight. That was proved to be the outcome where we have made a mistake for the second goal, and they’ve capitalised on it to win the game.”
Following defeat, it’s now back to training for the squad who will be looking to pick up their first win of the New Year.
“We’ve got to start working and looking at improving the basics. We have to become better at the basics of the game.
“If it’s a longer pass for example playing the longer pass with a little bit more detail, so a bit more backspin and leading the ball into good areas, which we struggled to do in the second half.
“When we are under pressure, recognising ways to get away from the pressure, finding ways to play or balls down the side to stress the opposition, as we didn’t do that enough the second half. We’ve got to be more streetwise in the way we play and play with a little bit more knowhow and bite.”
One positive from the game was the emergence of U16s regular Bradley Stretton who started the game.
“Bradley reacted so well because the first goal we conceded he was involved in that, but he reacted well and got himself at the back post to finish nicely for our goal.
“He’s doing really well in the U16s programme and he’s not the only one, there is a small handful from the U16s that will look to step up into the U18s to show us what they can do.”