I can't imagine for a moment that Felix would put an under 18s match, no matter how big, ahead of a crucial Premier League game. If he thinks Roberts and Dembele are better options than the other players available for Villa, he won't hesitate to play them, I'm sure. If there's a choice between keeping our flickering Premier league hopes alight or winning the Youth FA Cup, the senior side should take precedence every time.
Yes but with Dejagah playing so well I think we could do without Roberts and I imagine Woodrow will start up front away from home as he holds the ball up better than Dembele so they may not be needed. Although with Bent ineligible I can see the merit for bringing Dembele and Roberts.
Also I've seen somebody mention on twitter that Stuart Pearce may try to bring Steve Wigley to Nottingham Forest with him. The pair worked together for England U21s for years and have a great working relationship. Pearce doesn't take over the job until the start of next season so has plenty of time to try to convince Wigley to join him. Incidentally, ex-Fulham U18 manager Gary Brazil is in charge of Forest until the end of the season.
Gary Brazil divided opinion in his playing days. On his day he was a fantastic striker for the level we were playing at, on other days he could be shocking. Some defended him to the hilt, others thought he was an utter waste of space. I'd love to hear what roscafre made of him back in the day - I'm guessing he wasn't a fan, particularly as he cost a whopping (for us at the time) £100,000.
Someone on here said the semi tonight is a 7pm kick off, but my TV guide says 7.45 (programme starts 7.30). Can anyone confirm which is right?
Thanks, Cottager. I had a feeling you'd know. As my boys are on their school holidays we're letting them stay up to watch it. Who says I don't know how to show Mrs Captain a good time?
I'll be working later so I said I'd record it and watch the game when I got home. Flicking through ITV4 and I get to the game which is titled: "Programme not available in ROI". Damn rights restrictions. I was really looking forward to watching it.
Half time burgers too! I could come down and be a steward and for that real match experience Diddy Hamilton is free to announce the players in your living room!
We feel your pain, FulhamIreland. I discovered I wasn't able to watch one of our 2010 Europa matches 10 minutes before it kicked off... The home game with Juventus! I was sure it was on ITV4, not Setanta.
Agreed fulhaman, a real credit to youth football, both teams. I thought we passed the ball very efficiently in midfield and Pat Roberts has amazing talent. Thought dembele was quiet until the final 20 mins but when he gets in the box his movement and ability to find space is fantastic, not to mention his finishing. Both full backs, shecklford and Evans ?? were great going forward. The player who stood out the most for me though was Soloman Sambou. Not mentioned much but I would love to see his pass completion stats, always available as an outlet and his tackling was solid. Really pleased for Steve wigley and the club, a fantastic achievement. COYW
Certainly seen the team collectively perform better, although it's a compliment to their desire that they battled to win the tie against a very organised Reading side. At times it was difficult to tell which team only had 10 men on the field. Thought Reading's David Luiz look-a-like and their left back were tremendous. To be fair we did a bit more than 'battle' and showed patience as well as some decent football in the second half. And of course we had Pat Roberts with his ball control and mesmerizing runs. What can you say about the young man? Such a delight to watch. That said the MOTM for me was Ryheem Sheckleford - amazing strength and speed for a 16 year old. Should be some final with Arsenal and Chelsea playing their first leg later this week. And a thank you to the Club for opening the Johnny Haynes instead of the usual Riverside. Much better atmosphere and very appreciated on a horribly wet and chilly evening.
Did he wear the number 2 shirt? If so I thought he was great, running down the wing and getting some good crosses in. Like you say, speed and strength. My son and I plan to come to the final as long as it's not played on a night when he's working. Is it also a two leg home and away affair?
Yup, he was the No 2. The final will be two legs; at the Cottage and Emirates or Stamford Bridge. Arsenal and Chelsea play their first leg this Thursday (10th April) and the second next week. No date fixed yet for the final games.
Fulham 3 Reading 2 (U18s) (FA Youth Cup - Semi Final) The goals that saw us through to the final - [video=youtube;FgRKpk0SBnU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgRKpk0SBnU&feature=player_embedded[/video]
