County Academy looked to build upon a promising start to the season in September, with the U19 Scholars hitting their stride, the beginning of a new season at Cheadle Hulme School for the Junior Academy and U17 Floodlit Cup action.
An Update from Scott Harris
Lead Foundation Phase Coach Scott Harris provided an update on the Junior Academy, including a trip to Oakham, where County U12s participated in an overnight residential tournament. The Young Hatters made it to the final, but were defeated by West Ham United.
On the Pitch
Lincoln City (A)
County travelled to Lincoln City to kick off the month, as the young Hatters looked to build on their strong start to the EFL Youth Alliance Cup campaign. James Barry and Che Gardner scored the goals to win the contest for County; read more about the tie here, or check out the highlights below:
https://twitter.com/StockportCounty/status/1701543679318741228
Preston North End (A)
The young Hatters were on the road for the second week in a row, taking on Preston North End in the EFL Youth Alliance League. The hosts emerged 2-1 winners, despite Ashton Mee firing County into the lead early into the second half. Watch the key moments below or read about the encounter here.
https://twitter.com/StockportCounty/status/1704457882035511618
Rochdale (H)
County fell to defeat against Rochdale in the EFL Youth Alliance League, after the visitors headed in from a corner early in the second half. County enjoyed large spells of pressure, but couldn’t find the equaliser. Watch the highlights below or read more about the clash here.
Shrewsbury Town (A)
The young Hatters ended the month with a trip to Shrewsbury in the EFL Youth Alliance League. County unfortunately fell to a 2-1 defeat, despite defender Luke Partington producing a great finish to level the scores in the second half. Read more about the game here or watch the highlights below:
Player Progression
Ashton Mee
Ashton Mee travelled with the first team squad to AFC Wimbledon earlier this month, as the young midfielder looks to gain more experience following his first professional contract with the club.
Mee also started in County’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tranmere Rovers in the Cheshire Senior Cup, his first senior start for the club.
The young midfielder continued to get first-team minutes and made a substitute appearance at County’s 3-1 victory over Accrington Stanley.
Cody Johnson
Cody built on his impressive start to the season by leading out County at Edgeley Park in the Cheshire Senior Cup. The young midfielder captained the side, which included numerous first-team players, and picked up another Man of the Match award.
Personal Development
PFA Talk
Our scholars were visited by the PFA this month. Representative Peter Clarke demonstrated what benefits our players receive when inducted into the PFA, and a rundown of what the organisation does.
Anti-Doping and Gambling Workshop
Doping and gambling are two prevalent issues in the modern game, so it’s important that our scholars understand the dangers. Doping can lead to lengthy bans, regardless of intention, and gambling can destroy a career.
Junior Academy
Floodlit Cup – Preston North End (A)
County U17’s travelled to Preston in the Floodlit Cup this month. The young hatters were defeated 5-0, despite enjoying a dominant start. County travel to Blackpool in their next group game in October, looking to bounce back with a victory.
