Steven Rudd: Development Team got a good ‘learning curve’
Steven Rudd says Reds’ Development Team got a good ‘learning curve’ against Kirkoswald seniors on Tuesday.
Our youngsters were in control for most of the match but lost their three-goal lead in the final 15 minutes to lose 4-3 in their fourth pre-season outing.
Having been in charge of the game in boss Brian Dawson’s absence, Rudd spoke last night at our first-team’s training session on both the friendly match and about how our fledglings are fairing.
“They did really well for an hour,” Danny Grainger’s right-hand man said.
“First half, we grew into the game against a good men’s team. Second half, we made a lot of changes which disrupted the flow but it’s all about getting the lads minutes.
“Results-wise, we’re not that bothered. Obviously, to lose 4-3 from 0-3 up, it’s a learning curve for the boys.”
Luke Ivison had put us ahead before Matty Foster doubled our lead. Ciaran Booty then added immediately after the restart at the Old Showfield as we had the ascendancy.
However, a late double from Sean Elliott along with goals from Ryan Bell and Reece Simpson – once Reds had shuffled their pack – turned the result, something the Development Team will have to live with.
“We shouldn’t be getting beat – not with 15 minutes to go,” Rudd admitted.
“There were some very good individual performances, everyone got plenty of minutes and it’s a good learning curve for them.”
As the summer draws to a close, plenty of prospects have impressed in first-team training, putting them in position to be involved this coming season.
💥 The lads are still going full throttle despite the conditions underfoot 💧
🔴⚪️ #COYR pic.twitter.com/kskwDOp4gx
— Workington AFC (@WorkingtonAFC) August 27, 2020
Rudd, who made the step up in his youth days, revealed the tough task for the teenagers as we approach the new term.
“It’s hard sometimes getting stuck between ‘am I first-team or am I in the reserves?’ but it’s what we need from our lads.
“At any point this season, there’ll be chances for all of them. Every reserve player wouldn’t be in the Development Team it there wasn’t a chance of playing.”
Those involved in the senior setup have done themselves no disservice but will need to wait a little longer according to the assistant.
“They’ve got to be patient and bide their time,” he explained.
“Carl [Lightfoot], Mikey [Watson], Harry [Atkinson], Aidan [Howarth] and Matty Hartley are all doing well.
“They’re all in and around it now so it’s their job to A. stay there and then B. take a chance when it comes.”
The Development Team are back in action this Saturday against Windscale.
