McGregor On Sheffield United Test & "Great" York Trip

After a “great” trip to York for the Hibs Under-19s squad, head coach Darren McGregor is pleased to have seen his youngsters learn a lot from a close-run defeat to “top team” Sheffield United.

The wee Hibees were defeated 1-0 in sweltering conditions by the Blades, who won the U21 Premier League Professional Development League North last season. 

With the Under-19s facing slightly older opposition who consistently compete at the high level in England, McGregor was pleased to see his side put in a strong performance in York. 

“It was a really good test, and a really good outing for the lads. We were playing against a really top team, and an older team as well, which made it really hard for us. The conditions were excellent if we were sunbathing, but to play football at 30 degrees was difficult for the lads. 

“We set the guys out with a game plan, to sit off and conserve energy, which gave [Sheffield United] a lot of possession of the ball. With them being older, physically a wee bit more dominant, I think we suffered in the first half. And then in possession, I thought we definitely could’ve done better. 

“We were rushed and hurried when we got the ball back. Being under intense pressure and being so low in the block, there was lots of turnover. But ultimately, we come away from the game having, I think, learned quite a lot against a really good team. 

“It's actually been a while since we've been beaten, so as I say to the lads, it's good for them to play against guys that are bigger, stronger, and a little bit older. That gives them perspective as well, and allows them to try and solve problems on the pitch.”

The starting Hibs team, and those coming off the bench, included youngsters aged 15 and 16. Despite this inferiority in age to most of United’s youngsters, the boys held their own and threatened throughout the 90.

This, combined with the excellent facilities in York for the short stay away from home, impressed McGregor, who is now looking ahead to upcoming pre-season fixtures in the week’s ahead.

“Coming into it, we knew we were short a few bodies, so we were relying on having a really young bench. But everybody came on, everybody did well and contributed to the game, and I think they’ll learn from it. You learn from playing against better teams in different environments.

“I thought we defended that box really, really well. It was unfortunate to lose the goal that we lost from a corner. I think we could do better in that instance, but there's learning all round for the lads. That's ultimately why we're here. I think we’ve had great facilities, and it's been a great couple of days.”

“We've been greeted very warmly,” McGregor added on the trip itself. “We've had everything at our disposal, from the swimming pool to the top-class training facilities. The pitches were immaculate and full meals provided. I think it's been really, really good.

“It's always good to get the guys away, get a bit of team bonding in, as well. All in all, it's been great. Got the weekend off now, and then we'll go at it again Monday.”