Youth Cup Reaction
Reds Academy Coach Chris Howarth beamed with pride last night despite seeing his Under 18s side lose 3-0 to Chelsea in Staines.
All the goals came in the first half, with the Reds having arguably the better chances, as the youngster bowed out of the FA Youth Cup Fifth round at the hands of current holders Chelsea.
“I’m gutted for the lads but I’m very, very proud.” Chris said, speaking to Barnsley Player. “I don’t think they could have given any more. To be fair, we’ve had three good chances prior to them scoring.
“They’ve had three chances and scored three.
“The good thing is, we’ve not let ourselves down.
“The work ethic today has been fantastic and if they keep doing that they’ll make a living out of it, because that’s what it’s about."
Erico Sousa struck the post in the first half before the Blues opened the scoring, and George Maris saw his one-on-one effort tipped wide by the 'keeper.
Erico Sousa struck the post in the first half before the Blues opened the scoring, and George Maris saw his one-on-one effort tipped wide by the 'keeper.
“In fairness, I don’t think our boys could have done any more," continued Chris. "We were unfortunate. We got stretched at times, but in terms of our application and wanting to play, we were great.
“The centre-backs, midfielders and full-backs are playing under pressure which will only help their game.
“Some of the lads were in tears because they know they’ll not get the chance to play in the youth cup again, but they’re in tears because they’ve given everything.
“I’m very, very proud of them.”
