The Gaffer reflects on his side’s 2-1 defeat to League leaders Wigan Athletic.
Eric Ramsey was full of praise for Under 16 players Jaden Bevan and Jacob Bell despite the final score, describing it as a ‘silver lining’.
Both players came on as substitutes in the game with Jaden replacing the injured Jack Atkinson in the 20th minute and Jacob coming on for Lifumpa Mwandwe with 17 minutes left to play.
“I think it was a silver lining. Jaden came on in what were very high pressured circumstances for someone of his age.
“He did phenomenally well and I thought that Jacob Bell, another under 16 who was quite possibly making his first under 18 appearance coped well as well.”
Two goals by Kyle Joseph were enough for the League leaders to continue their winning streak, but Dan Walker was able to narrow the score to just one goal in the 78th minute.
Ramsey said: “It was disappointing really. I don’t think the performance was what we could’ve expected it to be.
“We knew it would be one of those days where we had to be towards out best to get anything from the game and unfortunately I don’t think that was the case.
“We had spells where we looked a threat and we did have a number of chances and I don’t think we did enough to win it today.”
The manager was forced to make three substitutions through injury in the first half with Ryan Grosvenor, Jack Atkinson and Jamaine Turner all affected.
“It wasn’t ideal. It didn’t go to plan in the first half in any sense.
“It did effect our rhythm and we ultimately had to make five changes, which isn’t often the case so there was a lot up against us today.
“But equally, I still don’t think we managed what we could’ve managed as well as might.”
Asked about any updates on the injuries, he said: “I don’t think any of them are particularly serious, but I think they probably all warranted the players being substituted.
“There wasn’t anything I don’t think that will keep the players out for any long period of time.
“I think Jack’s was probably the worst. The others are just little niggles but I’m sure they’ll be back in the coming weeks.”
Doncaster Rovers await Shrewsbury in the final group game of the Youth Alliance Cup next Saturday, and they will be looking to get back to winning ways. Town have drew one and lost one so far in the competition.
“Well unfortunately I think that it’s a bit of a dead rubber Cup game.
“It will be a long trip, but I’m sure we will make it as competitive a game as we can, and it’s an opportunity to bounce back from today in a performance sense.
“If we can win the game, then of course we will try and do so.”
In terms of the team news for next week, Eric hasn’t given too much away in who he might pick. But with the injuries that were picked up, there may be a few changes to the side.
“I’m not sure what the team will look like next week.
“Fingers crossed we actually put one out after the number of injuries we’ve had today.
“But it might be an opportunity for some under 16’s to get some minutes in under 18’s level. Perhaps some players that haven’t played so much so far this season.”