Moors Academy side fell to defeat on Wednesday after a competitive encounter against Middlesbrough T6 in National Youth League Northern Division One.
Moors boss Graeme Lee was in attendance to watch the fixture, and he saw Matty Dolan’s youngsters enjoy a bright opening to the game.
Dylan Jones had a great opportunity to reward Moors’ positive start but saw his effort produce a smart save from the home team’s goalkeeper.
Boro then punished Moors at the other end when a great through ball freed the striker through on goal and he slotted calmly past keeper James Brown for 1-0.
Moors responded well though and could have been back on level terms when a chance fell to Ollie Griffiths, but he just couldn’t force the ball home.
There was no such escape for the hosts moment later when Lewis Stapleton picked out Griffiths again with a fantastic pass and when his shot was saved, Jones was there to fire home the rebound and make it 1-1.
Hayden Oakes and Jones both had opportunities to put Moors in front before the break, but it was Boro who made the next breakthrough when a set-piece into the area ricocheted off a defender and into the net.
Once again, Dolan’s side produced a positive reaction. Griffiths was so unlucky not to make it 2-2 on the hour when his ferocious effort crashed back off the Boro cross bar.
The hosts then finished the game the stronger and they made sure of the points in the closing stages when the grabbed a third goal to make it 3-1.
“It’s the first game back after a long break and I think it’s natural that there was a bit of rust and fatigue,” Dolan admitted afterwards.
“There were some real positives to take from the first half and some good performances across the team, overall.
“It was brilliant for the lads to see the gaffer in attendance to watch the game, and that underlines the way that the Club wants this Academy Programme to keep progressing.
“There are some great opportunities alongside the lads’ education programme which is vital for the group to see.”
Full Time: Middlesbrough 3 Moors 1
Moors: Brown, Jones, Blair (Robertson 46), Stapleton, Yates (Dodds 25), Neely, Oakes, Dodds, Docherty (Lynch 1), Griffiths, Hope.
