Report: Iron U18s 1-0 Notts County U18s

The Iron’s Under-18 side beat Notts County 1-0 in the Youth Alliance League on Saturday at Brumby Hall.

Tom Pugh netted the game’s only goal just after half-time to secure the three points for the side, who had six under-16 players starting the match.

United got off to a positive start after Harry Jessop whipped a free-kick into the area, however it was deflected wide. The following corner was cleared by County. 

Cameron Wilson then launched a counter-attack in the eighth minute, as he beat two players with skill and found some space to shoot. However, his effort was charged down by a defender, who blocked the strike.

Four minutes later, Notts County had their first opportunity, but goalkeeper Tom Collins came out well to catch the cross.

Collins was then involved in the Iron’s next attack. His long free-kick expertly picked out Harry Baker, who found Wilson before Pugh’s attempt was straight at the goalkeeper.

A long ball then caused the Iron a problem, but quick awareness from Collins defused the attack. The goalkeeper rushed off his line to clear the ball away.

Notts County nearly capitalised from a short back pass not long after. Their striker ran through, but was beaten to the ball by Collins, who managed to prevent a shot on goal.

There was good pressure from Jessop in the 36th minute to win the ball from a challenge in an attacking position. He quickly released it to Pugh, but his shot went wide of the target.

Just before half-time, County had a chance to take the lead. A free-kick was sent towards the back post with a Notts player heading the ball wide after losing his marker.

Minutes before the Iron opened the scoring, Collins was on hand to make a smart save from a one-on-one.

The Iron then pushed forward in the 48th minute with high pressure and scored to take a 1-0 lead. Jessop won the ball and squared it to Pugh, firing it into the net.

Collins was again called in to action from a free-kick in the 51st minute. He got across to save the shot, before Harry Baker made an important tackle.

Pugh could have doubled his tally with 11 minutes left, however his first touch took the ball away from the goal. His cross was then cleared away.

Scunthorpe stood strong in the final minutes as Notts County threw players forward, but the away side were unable to get an equaliser.

Scunthorpe line-up: Collins, Baker, Lobley, Gallimore, Kemp, Barks, Wilson, Dawson, Wilkinson, Pugh, Jessop (Haywood, 86’).
Unused substitute: Crosher.

United’s first team's next home game sees them face Bristol Rovers at Glanford Park on Saturday, March 9th (3pm kick-off). Click here for details of our Twin Pack offer, where you can make a big saving on tickets for the Southend United home match three days later. Buy tickets now at www.sufctickets.com.