Town's U18 side started their league season with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday at Playford Road on Saturday morning thanks to a goal from Elkan Baggott.

Captain Teddy Baker saw his freekick from 20 yards out tipped onto the woodwork by the visiting keeper early on, while keeper Jake Alley made a fine instinctive block to keep the scores level on 38.

Moments before the break, young left-back Albie Armin pulled the ball to Matt Healy but his side-footed effort flew over and then two minutes after the restart, Healy's shot clipped the bar after he'd been well found by Liam Gibbs.

The young Blues found what proved to be the match winner on 84. Sub Harley Curtis was brought down on the left side of the box and Baggott rose highest at the back post to nod Healy's freekick into the net.

Following an earlier clash of heads which resulted in a Wednesday defender being stretchered off, Town had to see out nearly 10 minutes of stoppage time but they defended well and actually came close to doubling their lead when Alfie Cutbush fired over from 12 yards after good build up play from Zak Brown.

Baggott took his goal well but was also a dominant presence at the back throughout, while Healy also had a good game in midfield and will probably feel he should have scored at least one of the chances that came his way.

U18s: Alley, Ruffles, Armin (Alexander 77), Baker (Curtis 64), Kagonbolo, Baggott, Healy, Cutbush, Reed (Bareck 64), Gibbs, Z Brown. Unused: Oppong, Bort.

Photo: TWTD

Ericgates12 added 17:53 - Aug 17 Very nice win from a very young u18 team. Brown and Gibbs played last night away at Hull for the u23's then played 90 minutes for the u18's which deserves recognition. Baggott had a steady game at the back and was always a threat from set pieces so was my MOM. A very good result against last season's northern division champions. Well done to all involved.
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