Young U's beat Birmingham City
Will Hoskins was on the mark on his comeback today as he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the development side at Birmingham City in a friendly.Hoskins played the full 90 minutes on his return from a troublesome groin injury and volleyed home a 91st-minute winner after playing a one-two with Sam Humphreys. United, fielding a predominantly young side, were also indebted to keeper Jamie Ashdown for some good saves in keeping a clean sheet, while French midfielder Jeremy Balmy looked sharp in midfield on his first appearance since signing for the U’s on Monday.
Coach Micky Lewis told us:
“It was another really excellent performance. Birmingham had nine players who have played Championship football and they saw a lot of the ball but we dug in when we had to, got in some great blocks and then nicked it right at the end with a great strike from Will.
“If you look at our back four we had Miles Welch-Hayes, Freddie Grant, Robbie Cundy and Jon Meades, so there’s only Meadesy with any real experience, but they were all totally committed, they threw themselves into blocks and challenges and did really well.
“There was one moment where Freddie got back on the line to clear a shot and then Jamie Ashdown has made a magnificent save from the follow up. That was typical of the way everyone approached the game.
“Our kids will gain so much from playing against higher-league opponents and I thought we grew into the game, and the more experienced lads set the tone with a fantastic attitude. They got 90 minutes under their belts so it was another very worthwhile game, played with a competitive edge, and an excellent work out.”
United
Ashdown, Welch-Hayes, Grant, Cundy, Meades, A Hawtin, Balmy, Trialist (George), Humphreys, Trialist, Hoskins.