Northampton Town Under 18s manager Jon Brady was delighted after his team beat Southend United 3-2 in the EFL Youth Alliance League on a rainy Saturday morning at Moulton College.
Substitute Kenny Ndefo’s powerful header deep into added time won the game for the young Cobblers, after the previously unbeaten Shrimpers had levelled the scoring moments earlier.
Brady said: “There were a whole lot of emotions out there today.
“When Southend equalised in added time, I thought the game was going to be a draw.
“It was fantastic to see the boys fight back from 1-0 down and have the courage to keep going, get the winner, and celebrate the way they did.
“It’s even sweeter to see Kenny heading in the winner after coming on as an Under 16.”
The Cobblers’ youngsters meet Cambridge United in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday, and Brady added: “It would be lovely to take the momentum from Saturday into that game.
“Cambridge are a very good side and it’ll be a tough game, so we’ve got to be at our best to get through to the next round.
“If everyone turns up on the day and works hard, we’ve got a good chance.
“In football, you need consistency week in, week out and we’re a little bit up and down at the moment.
“If we have that consistency on Wednesday, we’ll have a good opportunity to win.”