Pools win pleasing for caretaker boss

By dpye

GRIMSBY Town Youth team ended a week of upheaval at Blundell Park with a fine away win at Hartlepool United.

With boss Neil Woods promoted to caretaker manager of the first-team following Mike Newell's sacking, it wasn't just the senior side who had to cope with a departure.

But the Town youngsters responded well to School of Excellence manager Adam Smith after he stepped into Woods' shoes and came away from the north east with an impressive three points.

Smith admits it was a difficult week for the crop of young players but was delighted with their display against a Pools side with just one defeat in nine games going into last weekend's clash.

Smith said: "It was a cracking away result with all that had happened in the build-up.

"Neil Woods stepped up to the first-team and it not only left the youngsters without their coach but also means the second years have it on their minds that they may need to impress a new manager after getting to know Mike Newell.

"But everyone pulled together and trained really well all week – mixing with the first-team at the back end before they set off for Bournemouth.

"We knew it would be tough against a good Hartlepool team on their own patch but started really brightly.

"We went 2-0 up inside 25 minutes – the first from Kieran Smith after a Dayle Southwell cross and then Dayle scored himself.

"We were the better side in the first half and had more chances and deserved the lead going into half-time.

"Hartlepool didn't create that much but were competitive.

"in the second half, we knew they would come out and go for it and they had a real go at us.

"It was a bit backs to the wall but we stood firm and they only created one or two half-chances.

"We had an opportunity to kill the game off when Tom Corner went through one-on-one but his effort unfortunately went wide.

"Then, on 65 minutes, Hartelpool scored and it set up a nervy finish.

"But we held on and it was a solid display from the players."

Smith praised the backline who stood firm to preserve the lead and picked out American youngster Dallas Moore as one of the star performers.

The 18-year-old centre-back was back in the side after skipper Mark Gray was called up to the senior squad and Smith hailed his return.

And he hopes the good form will continue in what is a big two weeks for the Youth side in three different competitions.

He went on: "Dallas came back in and was outstanding on the day.

"He was a colossus in defence.

"Hopefully his form will continue as the team moves on to another hard match this weekend against Doncaster.

"They are always tough opponents and it's a bit of a local derby.

"Then it's the first round of the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday when we entertain York at Blundell Park.

"They beat us and ended the unbeaten run 10 days ago so the boys will relish that with a score to settle and out on the main pitch as well.

"After that we have the next round of the Youth Alliance League Cup at Rotherham so it's a big fortnight for the team."

Smith expects to be filling in for Woods for that trio of matches and says he has enjoyed the role so far.

But he isn't sure whether he would like the job full-time – not for a few years yet anyway.

He added: "I've really enjoyed it and the players have been great.

"It's a good experience for me and something I would like to do long-term but maybe not for five or 10 years.

"I'm just filling in but everyone has mucked in from Pete Lea and Pete Nicholson (coaches) to Steve Croudson (goalkeeping coach) and that's been a massive help.

Town's youngsters have been drawn away to either Walsall or Rushden and Diamonds in the next round of the Midlands Floodlit Youth Cup following last week's 7-3 triumph over Chasetown. The possible opponents don't meet until December so the game is likely to be played in the new year.