Millwall AP Academy played their second fixture of the year with a friendly against Newhaven school from Greenwich.
The match was anticipated to be a closely fought affair due to Newhaven recent results and so it proved.
Both sides were equally matched up and in a closely fought first half match Millwall AP Academy won 3-1.
The second half match saw and even closer contest with Newhaven showing 100% commitment throughout with a number of standout performances.
The Millwall AP Academy led again by the respected player Coach Raheem quickly switched up tactics outlined in details pre match to the team in the second game which saw Aylisa move to RB and then CM who then along with Jacob dictated the game in an increasingly fluid and high pressing shape.
Millwall AP Academy again won the second half 3-1 against a very determined Newhaven who never gave up.
Both Teams also met new Millwall post 16 Academy Officer Stuart McFadyen and Football Development Manager Tim Sells to discuss potential Post 16 Academy opportunities and a Q&A on requirements needed to get into the Academy.
Education and Employability Manager, John Scarborough said: "Before the game we just asked our academy players to enjoy the game but for this match we would specifically looking at how they could stay disciplined and keep as a team and do their coaches instructions against what is always a strong Newhaven side who would ask questions of them.
“The team ticked all the boxes and clearly have gown further since our last game and puts them in a great position for next upcoming games. It was also good to see how they could self-manage themselves as a group in the absence of their lead Millwall Coach Joey Tayloe who is away in international duty with Montserrat in Barbados for two upcoming Concacaf fixtures against Guyana and Haiti.
“We are arranging a tournament next term and will be good opportunity again for the trusts AP Academy players to show their leadership skils as will be their responsibility to set up the day as well as play within in as they develop their Coaching skill set.”
Manager Raheem Ajiboluwa said: “From the get go we started higher, Tykel scoring a hat-trick again. There were times when the opponents tried to get into our heads but our players kept the heads and won the game.
“Our goalie made vital saves to keep us in the game - only conceding two goals. There was improvements last game - such as dominating possession and responsibility being a key factor."
Alysia Marcangelo Said: “We worked together very well, we were all lifting each other. We dealt with the opposition very well.
“I was getting up the pitch, got a couple of shots off and my teammates worked hard and dropped back when we needed to in what was a very good team performance.”
Tiwayne Brown said: “Our team did whatever we needed to do, we showed dedication and everyone worked together as a team.
“There was times where we could’ve been a bit tighter in defence but overall we did well.
“There was more teamwork than last game and everyone spoke to each other and always wanted the ball.”
