Northampton Town manager Keith Curle praised the club's Football & Education programme and Academy as he looked back on Tuesday's 2-0 win at Carlisle United.
Since becoming manager just over a year ago, Curle has handed seven current or former Academy players an opportunity in the first team, and on Tuesday he paired Scott Pollock and Shaun McWilliams together in central midfield. Pollock has come through the club's Football & Education programme as well as the Academy, while McWilliams came through the Academy. His brother Camron, another Academy product, was also in the matchday squad on Tuesday, being named on the substitute's bench.
"I will not shy away from giving young players their opportunity when I feel they deserve it," said the manager.
"The Academy and the Football & Education programme will be delighted with Tuesday evening. I spoke to (under 18s manager) Jon Brady on Monday and told him I was playing Scott Pollock and Shaun McWilliams together in midfield on Tuesday and Jon was made up for the boys. Everyone at the club has got a good understanding of their ability, their work ethic and the journey they have been on and are continuing to go on and we are very proud of them.
"Everyone in the Academy and the Football & Education programme should be very proud and relish in the hard work they have put in. When they see that work really benefitting the first team there is a real reward in that and it sends a big message out to young local players of the opportunities that exist at Northampton Town.
"Tuesday was a good night for the club on many levels."
For more details about the club's Football & Education programme, please email pete.stephenson@ntfc.co.uk