Hoskins is delighted by youngsters' "incredible improvement" (From Gazette)

Hoskins is delighted by youngsters' "incredible improvement"

11:28am Friday 27th July 2012 in Non-league football By Matt Plummer

HALSTEAD Town’s young aces have improved at an “incredible” rate, according to reserve-team boss Mark Hoskin.

Hoskin and coach Andrew Charles have taken on the manager’s duties for the club’s opening three friendlies, in the absence of first-team boss Jim Holder.

And after defeats against Clapton and AFC Sudbury, Halstead produced their best pre-season performance in beating West Bergholt 3-2 on Tuesday night.

The overall display, and especially that of the club’s youngsters, was well received by spectators.

And Hoskin believes Town are reaping the rewards of their youth development programme at Rosemary Lane.

“There have been so many positives during pre-season and one of the most pleasing things has been the performances of our academy lads,” he said.

“Their level of improvement has been incredible."

Halstead continue their preparations with a double-header of matches against Earls Colne tomorrow, at Rosemary Lane.

The respective first teams will meet at 2pm, competing for the Simon Kane Memorial Trophy.

The reserve sides will then go head-to-head at 4pm.

Admission is free.