McDermott sees promising future for Forest Green u18s as they book spot in Severn Sport Shield Final
Forest Green Rovers u18s Coach, Gary McDermott, says the future looks promising as his side beat Cirencester Town 4-2 on Wednesday night to reach the Severn Sport Shield Final, writes Sam Yapp.
Rovers cancelled out Alex Bell’s early goal for the Centurions by coming from behind to lead 2-1 at half time thanks to superb finishes by Jesse Aldridge and Thomas Conteh.
Sergi Ismail bagged a brace either side of a stunning Marcel strike for the Centurions to secure Rovers spot in Saturday’s final against Stonehouse Town.
“It was a really good contest. We played some excellent football at times.
“We had to change things after about 20 minutes mainly because they were pressing high and man marking in midfield, so we wanted an extra man in there.
“It was great for us to compete against a men’s side as we don’t normally get that in our games program,” McDermott said.
Striker Ismail made an instant impact coming off the bench at half time finding the net less than a minute after which McDermott couldn’t have been happier with.
“We’ve also been working a lot on our finishing, so it was pleasing to see tonight and nice for Sergi [Ismail] grab two goals.
“He’s come under a bit of stick for not being in the box or between the posts but when he came on today he did really well. That’s exactly what we want from him,” he said.
Wednesday’s victory saw the young Rovers side complete their third fixture of their pre-season schedule.
Following impressive wins over Birmingham City and the Centurions McDermott believes his side are in a great place heading into the new campaign.
“The boys are raring for the season in which I believe it’s set to be quite a promising season if we continue to play like tonight,” he said.
And Rovers continue their pre-season schedule with a chance to become champions of the Severn Sport Shield when they come up against the host Stonehouse.
McDermott is delighted to have reached the final as he believes the challenge and the chance for silverware will add an extra boost for his players ready for next season.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge. The opposition tonight were very direct, so I imagine we’ll face that again on Saturday.
“We’ll be prepared, we’ll look at a game plan together as a group as we’re just looking forward to it.
“The opportunity to win a trophy, if there is one on display, just gives that added value for the players,” he said.
Saturday’s Final takes place at 15:30 with either Stonehouse Town or Forest Green Rovers U18s set to lift the Shield.
Beforehand, Cirencester Town and Tuffley Rovers go head-to-head in the Third Place play-off at 12:00.
