This Friday, the Young Exiles travel to Cheltenham, hoping to build on a brilliant 2-0 win against Forest Green Rovers last Saturday. We preview Cheltenham’s last five matches, previous fixtures between the two sides and a lowdown on the backroom staff ahead of our vital fixture against Pete Haines’ side.
Previous Fixtures
Our most recent fixture against Pete Haines’ side was a 1-1 draw at Lliswerry School, with a late 87th minute goal from midfielder Owen Taylor ensuring that the Young Exiles didn’t let Cheltenham leave South Wales with all three points.
The last home fixture played against The Robins in the 16/17 season was August 2016, with the lads picking up a draw towards the start of the season – putting County on their way to finishing in the top-half of the Youth Alliance League South.
Our last away match against Cheltenham Town didn’t go to plan; County lost 6-2. Despite this their next league match was a 3-0 win at home, facing Plymouth Argyle which helped the Young Exiles finish 6th.
Backroom Staff
Antoine Thompson – Academy Manager
Thompson’s role focuses on leading the academy and monitoring the progress of all age groups.
Pete Haines – U18 Manager
Haines took up the role in July 2017, he has worked his way up through Cheltenham’s academy and is Britain's youngest coach on the Advanced Youth Award (Level 4) and UEFA A license coaching courses. Pete Haines previously played for their academy side, before injury at U16 level ended chances of a scholarship.
Gerard McGinty – Lead Youth Development Phase Coach
McGinty currently holds a UEFA A license and has previously worked at Barnet in the same role.
Gary Baines – Head of Academy Goalkeeping
Baines gained the role in May 2015, he currently holds a UEFA B license and an English FA Goalkeeping B license.
Last Five Fixtures
Pete Haines’ side currently side bottom of the EFL Youth Alliance South, with nine points from 18 games – they have only picked up one draw in their last five matches, which was in the league against Portsmouth.
Four of Cheltenham’s last five games have been league fixtures, with the Robins only point coming in a 2-2 draw against Portsmouth away from home, with the visitors scoring a late goal to snatch a point from Pompey in stoppage time.
Losses against Bury and Yeovil Town, were the Robins most recent games at home, which is a good sign for the Young Exiles ahead of tomorrow’s game!
Cheltenham ended January with their 3rd and 4th losses in a row, Bristol Rovers managed to narrowly beat the Robins’ U18 side 3-2; Bournemouth also beat Pete Haines’ side 3-1 to round off a disappointing January for the 11th placed side.
Match Details
The match will take place at the Seasons Business & Leisure Complex, with the game kicking off at 1 PM in Cheltenham
The full address for the venue is as follows: Seasons Business & Leisure Complex, Quat Goose Lane, Swindon Village, Cheltenham, GL51 9RX.
Follow Along
You can follow match updates on the official academy Twitter @Youth_County, which will keep you updated with live updates from Cheltenham as the Young Exiles look to pick-up their first win over Cheltenham this season, good luck boys!