SAM Rose says that the under 18s team’s Youth Alliance Cup defeat was disappointing for the Young Brewers, but the Professional Development Phase Lead Coach hopes the side can bounce back against the same opponent on Saturday.
Albion bowed out of the competition having tasted defeat in each of their four group games.
They were able to gain experience playing in Alfreton Town’s Impact Arena for group matches against Mansfield Town and Grimsby Town, something Rose feels gave the matches a different feel to league games.
He said: “It is all good experience for the lads. Playing at evening under the lights gives a different edge to the game.
“As I have said a lot already this season, we are disappointed to have lost the game. There’s no reason why we couldn’t have won the game if we took our chances and defended better at both of the situations Grimsby scored from, the goals that we conceded were poor. We were on top for much of the second-half and we played some good stuff.
“We are all disappointed but we will keep going. We will drive the standards and keep pushing the lads to improve. Gary Crosby (Assistant Manager), Jake Buxton (First Team Captain) and Chris Beardsley (First Team Sports Scientist/Player) game across for the game, as did The Manager for our win against Notts County on Friday. It just goes to show that every game is an opportunity for our young players to impress at this club. We’re pleased that some of the lads have done well tonight under the circumstances.”
The Young Brewers have a chance to bounce back immediately from Wednesday’s defeat, as they travel to once again face Grimsby in the Youth Alliance on Saturday.
Rose is excited for the challenge that the scenario will pose for the team.
He said: “We will prepare again on Friday for Saturday’s game. It will be interesting because we have not had the opportunity to face a team home and away in the same week before.
“It will be interesting to see how both teams set up and how the boys react after losing on Wednesday and knowing they should have done better.”