Tony Carr had words of sympathy for his young reserve side
after they slipped to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against Watford at
Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesda night.
Our Youth Academy Director took charge of the team in the absence of Kevin Keen but couldn't prevent a fifth successive defeat and admitted afterwards that Watford's seniority had been a decisive factor.
"It was a tough night for us and a bit of a mis-match, to be honest," said Tony. "Watford had a lot of experience in their team and we had a youth side out with schoolboys on the bench.
"We lost our two left-backs through injury - one in the warm-up and one at half-time - so we were patched up and had 15-year-old Jordan Spence in the centre of defence for the second half, although it was a great experience for him.
"Watford's coach Gary Smith told me that was the strongest team he has had out this season and it was just our luck to face them tonight.
"We worked hard, and I couldn't fault the effort of the boys, but we just didn't have the strength or the know-how to deal with Watford. Their second goal just after half-time really knocked the stuffing out of us.
"It's hard for the boys, because the games are coming thick and fast at the moment. We've got an under-18 game on Saturday at Watford and reserve games next Monday and Wednesday, so we are asking an awful lot of these young lads and it's difficult for them to perform to a high level when they are playing so often."
Our Youth Academy Director took charge of the team in the absence of Kevin Keen but couldn't prevent a fifth successive defeat and admitted afterwards that Watford's seniority had been a decisive factor.
"It was a tough night for us and a bit of a mis-match, to be honest," said Tony. "Watford had a lot of experience in their team and we had a youth side out with schoolboys on the bench.
"We lost our two left-backs through injury - one in the warm-up and one at half-time - so we were patched up and had 15-year-old Jordan Spence in the centre of defence for the second half, although it was a great experience for him.
"Watford's coach Gary Smith told me that was the strongest team he has had out this season and it was just our luck to face them tonight.
"We worked hard, and I couldn't fault the effort of the boys, but we just didn't have the strength or the know-how to deal with Watford. Their second goal just after half-time really knocked the stuffing out of us.
"It's hard for the boys, because the games are coming thick and fast at the moment. We've got an under-18 game on Saturday at Watford and reserve games next Monday and Wednesday, so we are asking an awful lot of these young lads and it's difficult for them to perform to a high level when they are playing so often."