Football: Jones Strikes Hat-Trick For Wolves
[Written by Patrick Bean]
Bermudian student/athlete Stefan Jones made grand impressions while playing for Wolves Academy as a trialist, scoring a hat-trick on Sunday during a match against rival English Premiership club Burnley, which Jones’ team lost 5-4.
Jones departed the match after tallying his third goal, which had drawn the sides level at 3-3 midway through the second half, his substitution a coaching decision after having seen enough of the 13-year-old’s skill and attacking prowess.
Playing at the Number-10 position in a 3-4-3 designed formation with the defence a collection of central defenders, the midfield with two holding and out-side wing-backs, and the attack containing a Number-Nine target-man and Jones as one of two attacking schemers in support.
The set-up and tactics worked well for Jones, who started off his scoring serenade early, ghosting a defender at the top of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful blast into the top corner.
His second came from a corner and believed Jones lack of height, as he out-jumped the defence to head home from the set-piece. His third was another piece of fine skill and served to draw Wolves level for the moment of the match.
Jones has been enduring three months of trials with the Wolves Academy after showing great promise both inside the classroom and beyond at Sandy Secondary Middle School and as a player with Somerset Cricket Club. He is the son of Bishop Stephen and Amanda Jones.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy is listed in quarters as a Category 1 status facility and has produced several high-profile graduates including internationals Robbie Keane and Joleon Lescott.
Many other players have gone on to play first team football at Molineux, including Carl Ikeme and Danny Batth. The academy is managed by Gareth Prosser and is based at the club’s Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.
