Steve Spooner

Blues U18's brought their recent losing streak to an end at the weekend with a hard fought 1-1 home draw against the MK Dons.

James O'Brien scored the opener for Blues midway through the first half with a superbly placed 25 yard effort.

But the visitors hit back after the break to grab a share of the points

"We started the game fairly brightly," said Academy Coach Steve Spooner.

"Initially we caused them a lot of problems with our three men in midfield until they were forced to change it in the second half, which was a complement to us to try and nullify it.

"When we did actually manage to get a little bit of width we got some good crosses in the box and we looked dangerous.

"Dean Lea and Ryan Burge both had good chances early on but their goalkeeper has made couple of fantastic saves.

"Then the goal came through James O'Brien, who showed some excellent technique in the windy conditions to curl it over their keeper and in to the top corner

James O'Brien

"But in the second half we didn't really get going and they probably had 75 per cent of the play.

"Although we created chances we failed to find the necessary touch to finish them off and they eventually equalised via a free kick that should never have been given.

"The free kick was scuffed into the box but we failed to pick up their man and it was scrambled home.

"Right at the end of the game we could have lost it when two of their lads got through but fortunately they got in each others way and the player has ended up hitting the post."

The most pleasing aspect of the game for Spooner was seeing his side halt their recent losing run.

"I was pleased to see us halt the slide and end our losing run," said Spooner.

"But we still need to be more ruthless in front of goal.

"I think the match also provided them with a wonderful platform for them to show what they can do because the first manager and all his staff were there watching the game as well."

The game also saw new signing 16-year-old defender Jordan Anderson make his debut for the U18's.

The former former Tottenham schoolboy impressed Spooner with his commanding display in the heart of the defence.

"He had an excellent debut and we were very pleased with him," added Spooner

"We noticed him when we played Tottenham earlier in the season.

"He's about six feet five inches tall, is technically very good and has got a big heart and wants to learn.

"Tottenham let him go because they had another very good player in the same position.

"Hopefully it will be their loss and our gain and he can go to become a very good player."

Full time: Blues U18's 1 MK Dons U18's 1

Blues: Lyness, Rutter, Wilson, O'Brien, Rowe, Anderson, Lea, Hunt, Gradwell, Sheldon, Burge.
Subs not used: Moses-Garvey, Joyce.