Driver on the 4-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday
Town youth team boss Paul Driver said he was disappointed with the 4-0 loss against Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon, as he felt his side could have taken something from the game on another day.
A hat-trick from Jordan Lonchar and a tap in from Fraser Preston knocked the Hatters out of the FA Youth Cup, but the Town youngsters had multiple chances of their own to score, including a late Jack Snelus penalty which was saved.
Driver felt his side were hard done by, but lacked the cutting edge in the final third to give his side a chance of winning.
He said: “It’s a frustrating result, we had at least ten decent chances which on another occasion I am sure we would have put some away.
“They have taken their goals well. Looking at it from an outside perspective, you get beat 4-0, get a red card and miss a penalty, it’s easy to think we weren’t at the races. But for most of the game we went toe-to-toe with them and the result is harsh on the lads.
“We need to shore up at the back. I felt we were really impressive against Gillingham at the weekend and it’s a shame we couldn’t carry that on today. We lacked that cutting edge in their danger areas as well, but there are a lot of positives.”
The Hatters were undone by quality play, with Lonchar’s three goals all well taken, as well as Preston’s fine finish from a well worked free-kick.
“Sometimes in matches it takes that little bit of luck,” said Driver. “It’s not just down to that, but it definitely helps. That said they showed quality in those important moments and they deserved their goals.
“For the first goal the cross has found their player in a crowd of our own defenders, but their second was outstanding and really well worked. There was no luck involved in that one.
“The third goal is a good header from a decent cross which beats both of our centre backs, and the final goal is when we are chasing the game with ten men and the lad has taken it really well.”
Town reached the third round by knocking out Barnet and Dagenham & Redbridge, a run that Driver was pleased with.
He added: “We came from behind in both cup games prior to today’s match, so to see that character in the players was brilliant and they learned a lot from those positions.
“Coming to Hillsborough today was a good experience for them and we wish Wednesday all the best in the rest of the competition and for the rest of the season.”