A young under 18s side fell to a 3-0 defeat to Rotherham United in the Youth Alliance League on Saturday, but Coach Sam Rose feels there is a lot to come from the players in future.
The Brewers conceded an early goal to the Millers as Rose’s side fell to their fourth defeat in five games with Burton involving nine players from the under 16s side. Rose admits that the result was disappointing, but that he and the Academy staff are excited about the promise that this group of players are showing.“It was certainly a disappointing result, particularly as it was a game of very few real chances for either team. We were a goal down within the first 5 minutes and a questionable penalty decision for Rotherham's second goal changed the course of the game. We conceded a third late on as we chased the game.
“Recent results have been tough to take, we've lost 6 games all season in the league, 4 of which have come in the last 5 games. We all have a winning mentality, although, when we field such a young side as we have done in recent weeks we have to alter some of our expectations in terms of their experience and level of performance at this point in their development. We had one u15 and eight u16s involved in the game. Rotherham were certainly bigger, older and more shrewd.
“It's excellent experience and opportunities to learn from mistakes. We're really looking forward to working with this group of players on a full-time basis next season. There's genuine potential in the group.”
The Brewers are fourth in the Youth Alliance after being leapfrogged by Rotherham, and seven points off the top two. Burton’s next game is away to Bradford City on April 1st.Â