Proud Westley watches four goal U-23s catch fire

The under 23s scored a thumping 4-0 victory over Billericay last night and Academy boss Terry Westley declared them to be in fine fettle ahead of the new season.

The youngsters were in tremendous form and won via second half goals from Jahmal Hector-Ingram, Joe Powell and Sean Adarkwa’s (2).

Said Westley “We said at half time, can we be more ruthless? It was about turning a six-out-of-ten performance into a nine and to be fair, second half, that’s what we did. 4-0 didn’t flatter us – we deserved that.

“It was a great experience for the players to play in front of a decent sized crowd – 4,000 people, a full ground – and it’s good for them to be playing senior teams.

“They will this season be thinking they can win promotion this season, and it was an absolute dominant performance from us.

“We had some really good performers as well. The goalkeeper, Joseph Anang, was outstanding, Reece Oxford – who needs games – was better, and that’s the improvement we expect.

Nathan Holland was clearly the best player on the pitch. He was head and shoulders above people, and that ability to go past and leave defenders, really stood out for me.”

Scond half sub Adarkwa’s was on fire and has nine goals in seven fixtures over pre-season, for both the U23s and U18s.

“He’s only 17,” Westley continued. “He’s now scored in every single pre-season game. He’s in a rich vein of form before the season starts, and long may that continue.

“Competition is stiff for both teams, for the 18s and 23s and one or two are starting to show they want to be in the team. That’s the competitive edge we have been looking for.

“The Dagenham game maybe came a little bit early for us, in the first week on the pre-season campaign, but since then we have really improved. Barnet at the weekend was a good test, too.

“The U18s play Harlow on Wednesday, there have been lots of games and lots of minutes in our legs. We have a week to go and you have got to do well to get in the team.”