Under-21s Lead Coach reflects on Kidderminster Harriers friendly
Former City captain on the value of young Potters facing senior sides
Quartet draw praise from Shawcross, including 16-year-old Owen Powell

Stoke City Under-21s Lead Coach Ryan Shawcross says Saturday’s pre-season clash at Kidderminster Harriers was welcome exposure to senior football for his young Potters.

The National League North side ran out 2-0 winners at Aggborough as City continued their preparations for their upcoming PL2 campaign.

On a physically challenging afternoon for the Young Potters, who had to compete with a more experienced Harriers team, Shawcross explained the benefits his side will take from the fixture as they venture through various competitions in 24/25.

“As a collective performance, it was disappointing because we didn’t perform to the levels we have in recent weeks and we didn’t show what we have done in training, so that is something for us to work on,” he said.

“However, academy football and men’s professional football are completely different; it is an entirely different genre of the sport.

“It is good for us to expose them to that as we are in a few different competitions this year, so we’ll give them similar experiences to this one throughout the season.

“There were a few players who stood out with their attitude and application on the day so it was a really good test for us.”

Shawcross praised a quartet of players for their performances, including goalkeeper Noah Cooper, who pulled off several admirable stops during the competitive affair to keep City in the game.

“I thought Noah was very good in goal today,” Shawcross continued.

“Luke Badley-Morgan had an excellent game too and I thought Kieron Willox did well.

“Owen Powell, especially as a 16-year-old, came on and had some good moments too.”

Shawcross: Exposure to men’s football healthy for young Potters