Southend Official Site
U18'S DROP TWO LEAD IN DEFEAT Posted on: Mon 28 Sep 2009
Southend United U18's 3 QPR U18's 5
Southend United's Under-18s dropped a two-goal lead in their latest Youth Alliance Cup encounter, after suffering a 5-3 at home to QPR on Saturday.
Despite going a goal behind within the opening two minutes of the match, the Blues had produced a commanding performance in the first, with Kyle Asante twice on target to help the team into a 3-1 lead at half time
Unfortunately, everything that was good about Southend's first half display was missing after the break, as QPR were able to score four goals without reply in their comeback.
QPR took an early lead with Southend allowing a free header from a set piece, but Asante caused problems with his power and pace and got the team back on level terms when impressively heading home.
Asante then handed the Blues the lead, as he timed his run to perfection to arrow the ball into the far corner of the net before playing a part in the third goal with his initial shot saved before Jamie Dennis tucked in the rebound.
The second half was a different story though and Head of Youth Ricky Duncan couldn't hide his disappointment.
"We didn't start the game well, but we showed a lot of character after going an early goal behind," he said.
"For the rest of the first half, I thought we played some fantastic football. We really got to grips with them and out passed and outplayed them.
"We scored three cracking goals and had a fourth disallowed for offside, but we had a look at how it has scored and it was definitely onside.
"We came into the break at half time in complete control of the game. I don't know what I said, but QPR came out for the second half and bullied us, pressurised us and got in our face.
"We started to give away cheap free kicks, which allowed deliveries into the box, and I think in the space of 25 minutes, we conceded four goals from deadball situations.
"That was really disappointing, as we have been strong in that sense. From being 3-1 up, all of a sudden we are now 5-3 down.
"Both teams had a penalty saved and looking at the video on Sunday, the game was so open that it could have ended up being 6-6. We were so good in the first half and to capitulate the way we did is not like us, but I do believe that it is a one off.
"We were so on top in the first half and perhaps this is something that we need to learn from. Maybe we took our foot off a little bit, with a two goal cushion, but you can never do that and we paid the price."
There was at least one pleasing side note with the news that George Smith impressed while away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under-17s against Bulgaria in their UEFA Championship qualifying campaign.
Duncan said: "I got a phone call on Sunday to tell me that George started and played very well for the team.
"He played off the point of a diamond in midfield and they won the game 2-1.
"They were pleased with him and there's a lot of talk that he's a good player who holds the ball up and maybe that is a little bit of what we were missing on Saturday in the second half.
"It was great to hear that George had started for his country again and by all accounts, put in a very good performance."
The Blues are next away to Millwall in their final Youth Alliance group match on Saturday October 3rd.
www.southendunited.co.uk/page/YouthNewsDetail/0,,10444~1810583,00.html
