Town’s U18s beat Ridgeons Division One side Team Bury 2-1 in a friendly at Playford Road on Tuesday afternoon, watched by injured first team striker Connor Wickham.
Back for Town were influential widemen Cormac Burke and Carel Tiofack, who was away with the Republic of Ireland U17 side when Town faced West Ham on Wednesday. Northern Ireland U17 international midfielder Josh Carson was missing as he’s with the first team squad at Exeter.
Town went ahead within a matter of seconds of the kick-off when youngster Byron Lawrence was played through and he slotted the ball past Jamie Greygoose.
Irish keeper Conor O’Donnell made a number of impressive saves during the first part of the match, with the game again being played in three equal periods.
Town doubled their advantage on 18 when a fine long ball from left-back Rory McKeown sent Canadian striker Caolan Lavery (pictured) through on goal and he held off a defender before finishing well.
A number of changes for the second period meant Town were on the back foot with the visitors creating a number of good chances; striker Will Hitter guilty of failing to reduce Town’s advantage.
Aaron Jones came closest to increasing Town’s lead when he unleashed a 30-yard screamer which flew just past the post.
However, with seven minutes remaining, Dan Galley did pull a goal back when a defensive mix-up between O’Donnell and Meekings allowed the striker to backheel the ball into the net from six yards.
Town held on for the win in what proved to be a fairly scrappy game, with Sam Brandon probably the best Town player on show. Lavery took his goal well, something he will need to continue to do throughout the season.
Report and photo: James Ager