Southend United U18's 2 Millwall U18's 0
by Robert Craven

Southend United's under 18's defeated Millwall 2-0 in their opening fixture of the season at Boots & Laces.

Goals in either half from central defender Ade Osifuwa and trialist Craig Calver earned Blues' Youths their opening day success, although boss Ricky Duncan was not entirely pleased with his side's performance.

"We played 4-5-1 in the first half, and we just didn't work hard enough," was the Head of Youth's assessment of proceedings. "The midfield was poor as a unit, and the match was scrappy. We often resorted to using the long ball, which was disappointing."

However, despite failing to impress their coach, Duncan's team established a lead at the break through a fine set-piece move against the Lions, who have dropped into the Youth Alliance League after relinquishing their Academy status for this season. A high ball was delivered into the penalty area, and Ronnie Jones nodded down for his defensive partner to convert from close range.

"Ade was excellent," Duncan admitted. "He still has a lot to learn positionally, but his recovery is very good because he has a lot of pace, and he excels at heading."

Both Duncan and reserve team boss Dean Austin worked extensively with the first-year scholar during the pre-season campaign, and already the fruits of their labour are coming to the fore.

"Ade just wants to be a footballer. If he's the wrong side of a forward, at this stage in his career, he has the pace to get himself out of trouble. We are teaching him to get better defensively, but he only turned 16 last week," he said.

After the interval, Southend came out in a much more positive fashion, and even added to their advantage at the culmination of a flowing move.

Substitute Fredrik Ljungström controlled the ball well with his first touch, and spread the ball wide to Marcus Milner. The wide man crossed for Craig Calver, a second-year trialist released by Ipswich Town in March, who saw his first effort parried out by the Millwall goalkeeper before sweeping home the rebound.

"We played a diamond formation in the second half with Craig and Freddie up front, and we looked a lot more comfortable in possession. It was really pleasing to see Freddie come on and put in a lot of good work. We played better as a team, and the things that we have worked hard on in training have come to the fore."

"It was nice to pick up a win in our first fixture, especially as they have just dropped down from being an Academy set-up. Although Millwall had some chances, we definitely have something to build on," Duncan concluded.

United's youngsters are next in action on Saturday 30th August, when they travel to local rivals Colchester United for their second League fixture.

Southend United: Nathan McDonald; John Awinja, Ronnie Jones, Ade Osifuwa, Durran Reynolds; Davis Abbey; Merrick James-Lewis, Medi Abalimba (Justin Hazell), Marcus Milner, Jack Morris (Fredrik Ljungström); Tashan Adeyinka (Craig Calver).

Photo (Graham Bridgeman-Clarke): Craig Calver celebrates with Fredrik Ljungstrom Blues second goal of the afternoon.