Midfielder's thoughts after the Notts County game
Town sent a young reserves side to Meadow Lane on Tuesday to take on Notts County in the Central League Cup.Town were beaten 2-1 after two early goals from the home side, though John McAtee did pull one back late on.
Harri Lovett one of Town’s Under-18s was one of the more senior players involved and he spoke to ShrewsWeb after the game.
“I think we were a bit star struck in the first ten minutes,” he said.
“We had some young lads in today, but after we sorted out that first ten and made some tactical amendments we were solid.
“In the second half we showed how we work and the goal was a testament to how hard we worked against a really strong County side.”
County started the game with seven first team players in the XI, whereas Town’s squad was made up solely of academy talent, with several Under-15s and 16s making the trip too.
“We thought it could be a massive case of men against boys, but it was a good test of character really and we just had to deal with it.
“It’s an invaluable experience for everyone who was out on the pitch today – it’s not every day you get to play at places like this and it’s something you hope you’ll remember and take on into your normal youth games.
“It’s another experience that will help prepare you for the first team environment – if you do make that jump.”
At half time County substituted two of their first team players and then two more ten minutes into the first half, with the odds evened so to speak, Town grew into the game and began to play with real confidence.
Town’s efforts were eventually capped off in the 90th minute when McAtee latched onto a through ball and slid the ball passed the oncoming County keeper into the back of the net.
Lovett said: “I think we battled well against their well-seasoned pros.
“The intensity was a big step up, and being savvy as well. We couldn’t really match them in terms of physicality, but footballing wise I think we matched them.
“We worked our socks off today. It’s about being intelligent, having a bit about you to cope with the demands of men’s football.
“I’ve learnt so much today just from that experience alone. Okay it’s a disappointing result, but not in the grand scheme of things, because we’ve come here with a very young side and every single one of us have learnt a lot today.”