Northampton Town Under 18s manager Jon Brady praised the resilience of his team as they beat AFC Wimbledon 3-2 at home in the EFL Youth Alliance League South East on Saturday.
Liam Cross’ penalty and a goal from Miguel Ngwa gave the young Cobblers a 2-0 lead after four minutes. Captain Richie Bailey scored the other goal on the stroke of half time.
Speaking after the match, Brady said: “I think the quick start was down to how we set up tactically.
“We gave away two sloppy goals and allowed them back into it, but the boys’ game management was fantastic.
“It was great to see a lot of resilience.”
The Cobblers youngsters were indebted to their goalkeeper Dylan Berry, who made countless saves throughout to preserve their lead.
Brady added: “Dylan’s improved so much in a year, like nearly everyone in the team.
“It was great to see him doing what he needs to do when he was called upon towards the end.”
Brady made three changes to the team that started the 1-0 defeat at home to Cambridge United last week, with Max Dyche, Dylan Hill and Jack Connor being replaced by Peter Abimbola, Courtney Lashley and Kieran Watkins-Robinson.
He said: “We had five first year scholars (Courtney Lashley, Abimbola, Ethan Lack, Watkins-Robinson and Connor) and an Under 16 (Josh Tomlinson) out there today.
“To have six scholars playing against a really physical AFC Wimbledon team was outstanding.
“It shows that we’re strong looking ahead to the future.”