With Academy and development manager Andy Awford
Good evening everyone, quick update on the Under-18s since the first team deservedly beat Barnet 2-0 here 10 days ago with a great display.
The big news is that our Under-18s have progressed to the third round proper of the FA Youth Cup having beaten Leyton Orient 1-0 away at Brisbane Road early last week.
The game was a very tight affair, both teams going at it hammer and tongs. Credit goes to Orient, who had obviously done their homework, and gave us as good a test as we've had all season.
Thankfully Freddie Hinds' first half goal was enough to see us through to face Notts County in another away tie, at a date to be confirmed.
The large majority of the league fixtures have been relatively comfortable this season, the latest a 4-1 away win at AFC Wimbledon.
In all that is now 18 games unbeaten this season, however during this cup tie we witnessed other important characteristics, within the team and individuals, as we had to dig deep for the win. The display was full of discipline, organisation, hunger and desire – all vital traits required for any young player trying to progress through the choppy waters to earn a career in the professional game.
The boys are on a fine run and they deserve the accolades they are rightly receiving at the moment. However, me, Paul Driver and the staff are constantly reminding them that football has a nasty habit of surprising you, when you least expect it.
We now look forward to a run of league fixtures before the Notts County game, including a rescheduled home game this morning versus MK Dons. They will all bring different challenges both mentally and physically.
Hopefully we enter the Youth Cup fixture at Meadow Lane still unbeaten, in confident mood and get the job done to get in the hat for the round four draw.