U18s manager Jon Brady says his team put in ‘a proper team performance’ in their 0-0 draw at home to Peterborough in the opening game of the EFL Youth Alliance League campaign on Saturday morning.
The Cobblers were on top for most of the match, creating some good opportunities and were maybe unlucky not to come away with all three points.
Brady said, "Creating four clear-cut chances whilst defending solidly shows that the boys have taken on and implemented the detail and organisation we want them to.
"They showed character to keep at it and be patient, and they followed the game plan which shows them how much better working for each other and togetherness is than just being an individual.
"It was a proper team performance and that’s a real boost and lift for us as a team.
"In my opinion, Peterborough are one of the strongest outfits in this league, and we’ve had a shorter pre-season than them so they’re a lot fitter than us.
"We showed resilience and perseverance and we were unlucky not to get the win today."
Meanwhile, captain Richie Bailey says his side ‘showed great desire and heart’ in the game.
Bailey was appointed as team captain before the game, in which the Cobblers created numerous good opportunities whilst restricting their opponents to a few half-chances.
He said, "We did really well in the first half and we were unlucky not to come out with a goal.
"We had chances and we were sound defensively.
"Pre-season’s been strange but I’m glad we’re back training full time.
"We’re back into the swing of things now and we’re ready for the rest of the season.
"Other teams, like Peterborough, have had five weeks more than us, but you wouldn’t have been able to tell.
"We showed great desire and heart and hopefully we go into next week strong and pressing.
"It will be good to see what the rest of the season entails but overall it’s looking positive and we’re ready.
"Being captain is a massive responsibility, it’s an honour and hopefully I can lead by example through my performances and in training.
Brady added: "Richie leads through his performances, he gives everything and he helps his teammates.
"He’s a really good leader for the team because he leads by example and he’s a positive character which is what we need.
"He puts his body on the line for the team, and what he did on Saturday was magnificent."