Gillingham Youth Coach Steve Lovell delivers his verdict following defeat to Barnet
Steve Lovell reports from Beechings CrossA good game for the neutral supporter, but not for us coaches. Barnet started brightly and went 1-0 up after Henry Newcombe had earlier saved a penalty after Callum Emptage had fouled one of their forwards.
We responded well and scored four goals in the last 25 minutes of the half. Ryan Crandley scoring two and Mitchell Dickenson the other two – the pleasing points that we scored two from good build ups and two from set plays.
The second half started well for us as we created two good chances but unfortunately we couldn’t hit the target on both occasions.
This was a turning point in the game where Barnet turned the screw and really took all the chances they created and ran out 5-4 winners.
It was a disappointing second half but the boys have had a decent start to the season and are working very hard towards improving their game.
Gills Team: Henry Newcombe, Callum Emptage, Sam Stewart, Joe Noughele, Riccardo Thompson, Mitchell Dickenson, Dan Adams, Ryan Crandley, Harry Stannard, Bradley Stevenson, Ross Ibbertson.
Subs: Ben Chapman, Max Kilman.