Youth team.

[jr]

It's quite clear to me that the youth team, judging by results, are just not playing good enough opposition. This has to be harmful to the progress of the players. What the answer is I don't know but perhaps the FA or whoever deals with these things need to take notice and sort it out. If we have to go further afield for decent opposition then so be it. Can't we play Gillingham, Barnet, Wycombe Under 18's etc?

[davef]

The problem with youth teams of course is they change very rapidly, at best they are together for two years but more generally half the team is a year older than the others and so the team breaks up after one year together.

So if a club gets put into a higher league based on one season's results it is quite feasible that it will not be as good again and really struggle in the higher league.

We've already heard from those that know best that the Ryman is the best standard youth league in the area. Going further afield, if it is possible, throws up a whole host of new problems.  Travel costs go up and, of course, we are talking about under-18s so we have a duty of care about getting them home safely, even assuming that they could get time off school to travel in the first place.

Let's just celebrate having a very good team with top quality coaching and management.  Hopefully one or two players, or more, will continue to improve and eventually make the first team squad. 

[dontpanic]

Well said Dave.

[Gareth]

Mar 13, 2014 22:58:19 GMT johnboy said:

I saw my first youth match of the season tonight and was very impressed by the commitment and high standard of football of this current Sutton team. I shall be back to see more and recommend that any supporters reading this should consider visiting one or more of the remaining fixtures. I am sure you will enjoy the experience.

Thanks John, glad you enjoyed yourself and it was great to see a few first team supporters last night down at Imber Court. This lot seem to be getting better by the week which is frightening! Next up is a visit to our friends down the road at Carshalton on Monday, so if you're free, kick-off is 7.45pm

[localboy86]

Are there many candidates in this team who could be possible first-team players?

[Gareth]

We have a lot of second year youth players this year so they will need a length of time playing reserve team football first to get more experience of the adult game. In a normal season we'd be pushing the lads up to the reserves on a more regular basis but with the number of games both teams have got left in the next 7-8 weeks, resources are pretty stretched

[davef]

Report from the Met Police website  www.pitchero.com/clubs/metropolitanpolicefc/j/match-centre-99823/1-862535

[Gareth]

Don't forget the Youth Team play Carshalton tonight at Colston Avenue, 7.45pm kick-off

[Gareth]

Arse. The nineteen-month winning run comes to an end there of all places.

Played 27, Won 27, Scored 118, Conceded 10 since our last defeat in August 2012.

Still, a lot to be proud of in that time and I don't there will be many players in the country who go on a run like that ever in their careers

Thanks to all who came tonight. Apologies the performance wasn't quite up to scratch but we'll go again on Thursday in the League Cup

[Kebab Belly Bob]

No need to apologise. The chances were there, it just didn't run for the lads tonight. And the fact that Frakey and I were there.

I think credit also needs to go to the Carshalton defence, including their two 8 foot centre halves !!!

Kbb

[markf]

Agree with KBB, just didn't take the chances. Robins probably had two and took one, a great finish too. U's had a lot of the ball but couldn't break down a resiliant hard working Carshalton team thus ending an incredible run.

Think me & KBB should be banned from youth matches: I think I've seen two out of the last three defeats. Still, at least it only cost me £3. Billy would have been proud.

[Gareth]

Surrey Under-18s Midweek Cup Final against Redhill tonight, 7.30pm kick-off at Merstham