24/09/2026
⚽ HDC U16 | HDC 3–4 Redditch Eagles coaches report
A frustrating afternoon for the U16s as we came away from a game we felt we deserved more from.
Played on a very poor pitch, which was more suited to a 9v9 game than an U16 fixture, the conditions certainly played into Redditch Eagles’ style of play. For the second game running, we dominated large periods of the match but struggled to capitalise on the chances we created, while also finding it difficult to deal with the long ball.
Redditch took the lead inside 10 minutes from their first attack, with a tight call on the line. The referee was well placed and deemed that the ball had crossed.
The boys didn’t let their heads drop and continued to attack, earning a penalty soon after. Unfortunately, we were unable to convert and level the game.
More chances followed, but again we couldn’t find the finish. Eventually, an Aston corner was turned into their own net by Redditch to bring us level heading into half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with the boys continuing to play some excellent football despite the difficult conditions.
A fantastic strike from Aston from outside the box finally gave us the lead, but almost immediately from the restart Redditch were awarded a penalty, which they calmly converted to make it 2–2.
Redditch defended well and caught us over-committing when a long ball exposed our defensive shape, allowing them to regain the lead.
Again, the boys responded positively. We continued to try and play football, creating further opportunities, including balls being cleared off the line and a superb strike from Jimmy which rattled the crossbar.
Eventually, the equaliser came through more excellent play through the thirds, with the ball finding Ben, who finished really well to make it 3–3.
With the way the game had gone, the boys felt they could go on and win it and pushed right until the end looking for the winner.
Unfortunately, the long ball hurt us once again. Some confusion in the defence allowed the Redditch forward through on goal, and he finished superbly with virtually the last kick of the game.
The boys were understandably gutted at the final whistle, wondering how they had come away without getting something from the game.
But there is plenty to take from the performance.
For the second game running, we’ve dominated large periods, created numerous chances and played some excellent football. The frustration is that we haven’t converted enough of those opportunities into goals.
The result doesn’t tell the whole story. There were plenty of positives in the way the boys continued to play our football, showed character after going behind and kept creating chances right until the final whistle.
The goals will come. The chances are being created, and the football is there.
We take the positives, learn from the difficult moments and move forward together.
👏 Heads up lads — plenty to be proud of and plenty more to come.
