Boss hoping young side can slay Trophy holders
Town manager John has no qualms about fielding another young side when FA Trophy holders Wrexham visit Kenilworth Road on Saturday.
The average age of the starting XIs fielded in both games against Staines were as young as 21 in the first round which saw the Hatters progress with a 2-0 win in a replay over the Swans, and the boss admitted a similar side will take on the Dragons.
“They’re ready for a step up as far as I’m concerned,” said Still at his press conference on Thursday. “In these sort of games – where we play against what might be classed as ‘better opposition’ – should bring out the best in the players.
“Although they’re young, some of them are not inexperienced and I actually think they’ll prosper for it.
“It will be very similar to what played in the last round because I think they worked hard and deserve the opportunity to do that.
“Despite the amount of development games that we play, none of them can replicate the atmosphere of what I’d class as a first team fixture.
“So games like these are good for them, good for us to see their progress, good to see how they handle it and it’s a major part of their development as well.”
Wrexham player/boss Andy Morrell was one of eight changes to a Dragons side in their last Trophy fixture – a 2-1 win over Gresley Rover in the first round and Still thinks a stronger side will travel to Bedfordshire.
“I think as holders of the competition, they’ll want to keep going and for them, they may feel this is a good opportunity for a trophy,” said the Town boss.
“Like myself, I wouldn’t put a team out that I didn’t think was capable of winning, I really do mean that.
“In my mind the team I’m going to pick can get something out of this game and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the younger element deal with it.”