Northampton Town U18s manager Jon Brady was ‘disappointed’ with his side’s narrow 1-0 loss away to MK Dons in the EFL Youth Alliance League on Saturday morning.
The match was tight, and the Cobblers had the better of the first half but a disappointing second period ultimately cost them in their second competitive fixture of the season.
Brady said, "I’m disappointed because we were in the ascendency and had the game by the scruff of the neck in the first half.
"We had a youthful team and after an hour a few players thought they had done enough.
"We stepped off the game and let MK Dons win it with their only shot on target.
"We let them build momentum and unfortunately they got their goal so it’s a lesson for the boys.
"It took us 10 minutes to get back on the front foot and once we did we were unfortunate not to get the equaliser.
"With about 15 minutes to go we brought on Kai O’Keefe who added a new dynamic and created a great chance for Tommy Curry.
"He hit it very well and was unlucky, and with five minutes to go we hit the post.
"We had eight players out today, including two with the first team which is fantastic because we’re here to support them.
"This squad will have to go again next week."
One positive to take from the defeat was the impressive performance of Dylan Hill, who was making his first start for the youth team.
He worked hard throughout and caused lots of problems for the MK Dons midfield and backline.
Hill said, "We weren’t at our best and took our foot off the gas at the start of the second half.
"Towards the end we started putting pressure on MK Dons and increased the intensity but we couldn’t get the goal.
"Personally, I’ve just come into the team and I’m trying my hardest because it’s the league and it’s important.
"I give my all because it’s what you have to do week in week out if you want to keep starting."
Brady added, "Dylan came in for his first start for us and was absolutely excellent.
"He was an inspiration for his team-mates with his approach to the game today."
The U18s host Cambridge United on Saturday