Doncaster Rovers' professional development phase U18s suffered a 4-1 defeat to Stockport County Under 18s on Saturday, but coach Ryan Cresswell was pleased with how his young side responded after a difficult first half.
Rovers found themselves 3-0 down at the break following a poor opening period. However, Cresswell's side showed character in the second half and threatened an unlikely comeback.
Second Half Rally
Dylan Hartley, a U16s forward brought on at half-time, scored to get Rovers back into the game. The young side continued to push forward and earned a penalty five minutes from time that could have pulled them within one goal at 3-2.
Stockport sealed the points in the fifth minute of added time with a fourth goal to claim a 4-1 win.
Cresswell's Assessment
Cresswell said the first half was "unacceptable" but demanded a reaction from his players. "We changed the shape and it worked. We created chances and Dylan scored a great header," he explained.
The coach highlighted the positives: "If after half an hour you had said to me that at 80 minutes you would have a penalty to make it 3-2 then I would have snapped your hand off. That is where the positives come from the group, but we need to start games better."
Cresswell was particularly impressed with Hartley's impact. "He was fantastic, it is only the second time I have seen him and I am really looking forward to seeing the energy and fearless approach to the game he has because there is a lot he adds to this squad," he said.
Hartley's Goal
Hartley described his moment: "We were playing around the box and found Pottsy [Liam Potts] on the right and I got between the defenders and flicked my header into the bottom corner. It was a really good feeling."
Next Fixture
Rovers' U18s face their first home game of the season at Cantley Park against Rochdale on Saturday 15 August, with a kick-off time of 11am.
