U18: Boro 3 - 4 Newcastle

A

Ash88

Well-known member
Anyone else go to the game?

Boro were the better team throughout. Individually our players seemed miles ahead in terms of development, and could have been 4 nil up in the first 30 minutes. I know it's easy to be biased but we lost the game through very soft decisions and general bad luck in my opinion.

Charlie Lennon looks like he's the next youth player to come through the ranks. Just turned 18 but looked very experienced compared to the players around him.

Eric Hamelberg was also very good on the ball - I'm surprised I haven't seen him mentioned before going to the game. Possibly my MOTM.

Hakeem Bakura looks like one of those strikers who can go unnoticed all game but still get on the scoresheet. He scored two last night.

I also liked the look of our full back, Prince Acheampong, who assisted the first goal. Finn Cartwright looked controlling in midfield too, against potentially Newcastle's best player.

Highly recommend going to see a U18 game if you get the chance.(y)
 
I went along too but missed the first 15 minutes (2 boro goals!). I tend to agree that we looked a little bit ahead physically (not sure about the age profile of both sides). It was a strange game. While we looked the better side and in control, we always seemed a bit vulnerable and gave away some very soft goals.

Agree with the standout players for the Boro.

Eric Hamelberg looked very good. Technically excellent, lovely balance and change of pace. Also had boundless energy, found quite a few clever passes and made the third goal. Formation seemed to change slightly at times but he was predominantly an attacking midfielder.

Finn Cartwright looked very comfortable on the ball in central areas, nice passing and link up. Maybe played within himself at times and looks like he will always improve with better players too.

Lennon also looked very talented and exciting in the attacking third. Quick and direct.

James Wilson played centre half and did well but wasn't always commanding. Was up against a centre forward who was a handful though. It's always interesting to try to pick the players who will be playing at Championship level and above and I think their Number 9 might be one. These two might play against a few times over the years!
 
Juno10 said:
James Wilson played centre half and did well but wasn't always commanding. Was up against a centre forward who was a handful though. It's always interesting to try to pick the players who will be playing at Championship level and above and I think their Number 9 might be one. These two might play against a few times over the years!
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They signed their number 10 (the guy with the man bun who scored the penalty) for £1m from Man City U21.

He definitely looked a level above a lot of the players on the pitch - but no better than Lennon/Hamelberg/Cartwright in my opinion, which has to be a positive for us.
 
I've seen Hamelberg a few times this season, been impressed. He's on the fringe of the England setup as well. We do seem to have a lot of promising CMs coming through.
Lennon is flying at the moment, scored a hat-trick the other day.

Bakara is a new name for me, but that's 3 in 2 now since making his debut.
 
I think Bakara is a U16? Sounds like he's put himself in a position to get a place here next year with 3 goals in 2 matches.

U18 vs Newcastle:
GK Shea Conner (18)
RB Prince Acheampong (?17?)
CB Alfie Myers-Smith (18)
CB James Wilson (17)
LB Judah Tawiah (18)
CM Oliver Martin (16)
CM Isaac Greenup (16)
RW Charlie Lennon (18)
10 Finn Cartwright (17)
LW Eric Hemelberg (17)
CF Hakeem Bakara (?16?)

It's not an old team, and 3 of the 4 subs we brought on were 16 year olds, probably cost us in the end.
 
Yeah Acheampong is a first year so I assume 16/17.

It's always interesting at this time of year to see the u16s come through, Will McPartland has played quite a bit for the u18s already and isn't 16 until next month, and another one who has linked up with England. Seen him play as a LB/LWB but also played on the right I think.
 
Acheampong looked very good, also liked the look of Dan James who came on in the second half.

Really excited to see how Hamelberg, Lennon and Cartwright develop too. You can also add Law McCabe, Ajay Matthews and Woolston (I think) to this U18 group. Could be the best crop for a while. Any other names at these age groups or lower that are causing a stir?
 
Yeah was there as two mates of my lads were playing. Not bad at 15/16, good luck with your GCSE’s.

One or two really bright prospects as mentioned above.

Physically there were a few mismatches, but getting the opportunity to play at the Riverside infront of a few hundred can only put them in good stead.
 
Juno10 said:
Acheampong looked very good, also liked the look of Dan James who came on in the second half.

Really excited to see how Hamelberg, Lennon and Cartwright develop too. You can also add Law McCabe, Ajay Matthews and Woolston (I think) to this U18 group. Could be the best crop for a while. Any other names at these age groups or lower that are causing a stir?
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Yeah, also agree on James. Yet another promising CM (and a lot of them are left footed as well - incl AJ Bridge).

Keepers are worth a mention, Shea Connor obviously been regularly involved with the first team and 16/17yo Felix Elliott was the 3rd keeper at Cardiff.
 
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