The Iron’s Under-18s were defeated 3-2 against Burton Albion on Saturday morning, as goals from Tyrell Sellars-Fleming and Harvey Cribb were cancelled out.
United’s Under-18s experienced the exception facilities at St. George’s Park (the home to all 23 of England’s national football teams) as they travelled down to Staffordshire for the EFL Youth Alliance Fixture against the Brewers.
Scunthorpe conceded first after 20 minutes when an Albion through-ball played through got the hosts in a one-on-onesituation with ‘keeper Josh Murtagh unable to stop the chance.
Sellars-Fleming stepped up to convert the Iron’s penalty and bring the game level.
It was soon the Iron’s turn to take the lead after taking control of the game following the penalty.
In the 37th minute, Charlie Burden-Whittleton swung a corner in for the Iron which was pounced upon by Cribb at the near post who gave the Iron a 2-1 lead.
A concussion substitution occurred in the 44th minute after Harry Elliott-Bell bravely leaped up to clear the ball in the area but took a collision to the face following the clearance.
With blood coming from the face of Elliott-Bell, Daws opted to substitute the 2nd year scholar for his own safety in place for Josh Cunningham.
An even second half followed for the Iron, with Lewis continuing to cause the Brewers problems down the left-hand side.
Mid-way through the second period, Lewis made another driving run in from the left in a similar fashion to the penalty. He distributed the ball to Sellars-Fleming, who’s one touch was soon denied by the Burton Albion ‘keeper to deny a clear cut chance for the Iron.
In the 77th minute, the Brewers had an equaliser following the Iron giving away a corner, which was converted around the six-yard line for 2-2.
The game looked to peter out for a score-draw until a free-kick was given in favour of the Brewers down the left-hand side.
United were slow to organise the free-kick and were punished as a result, with the Burton player able to bring it down on the swivel and secure the winner with the next kick of the ballbeing the full-time whistle.
Speaking following the game, Academy Manager Tony Daws said: “The lads did really well and deserved a draw out of the game, especially with the big chance (Sellars-Fleming’s effort) which would’ve changed the game.
“When you look at it, we’ve conceded from a corner and a set-piece, and Harry (Elliott-Bell) was a miss as a central defender when he went off too."
The Under-18s’ travel away to Lincoln City for an 11am kick-off in their next EFL Youth Alliance Fixture.
IRON: Murtagh, Elliott-Bell (44’ Cunningham), Abraham ©, Pike, Burden-Whittleton, Strouther, Cribb, Robertson, Lewis, Sellars-Fleming, Larkin (46’ Dickinson).