Ross Embleton was disappointed with a Town Development side’s 4-1 defeat to their Exeter City counterparts on Tuesday, but was happy to see a number of first-teamers get valuable minutes under their belt.
Two early goals set the hosts on their way to victory in the Central League and, although Troy Archibald-Henville’s own goal gave the Reds hope heading in at the break, the Grecians added two more goals in the second-half in a game where Will Henry, Raphael Rossi-Branco, Brad Barry, Jake Evans, Luke Norris, Jordan Young and Jordan Stewart all featured.
“It was a very disappointing start to the game. We looked to have some real intent in the way we began with the ball but we made some naïve mistakes, which allowed Exeter to go two goals up,” Embleton told swindontownfc.co.uk.
“But with a young team out on the pitch you are always going to make certain mistakes and we started the game a little bit laboured without the ball.
“It was good to see a few players back out there and there were some wild tackles in the game so it was important to get Raphael Rossi-Branco, Luke Norris, Brad Barry, Jordan Stewart and Jordan Young through the game.
“The fact that they’ve come through unscathed and for each one of them to get out what we originally set out for them was important.”
Embleton was also full of praise for Jordan Stewart, who looked bright on his long-awaited return from injury.
“We know what we are getting from Jordan now and his energy, enthusiasm and tenacity stand out all the time,” he added.
“He’s obviously got quality with the ball as well and that bit will come, as it will with Jordan Young as well.
“It is important to be patient with them as they ease their way back in and make sure they get physically prepared rather than get too concerned about what they are doing technically or tactically with the ball.
“It is about getting them more physically capable.”
