Lead Youth Development Phase Coach Shane Goddard says that Northampton Town Under 18s have “made a solid start” to their EFL Youth Alliance Merit League campaign.
The young Cobblers came from behind to beat Southend United 4-2 at home on Saturday. Jack Connor, Liam Cross, Miguel Ngwa and Tommy Curry scored the goals.
Speaking after the match, Goddard said: “We deserved three points because we were the better team.
“It’s good for us to bounce back after losing to Luton Town last month.
“The first half was scrappy and neither team got hold of the game, but we grew into it and were better in the second half.
“There was conviction and character in our play, but I still think there’s room for improvement, particularly on the ball.”
The youth team climb above Peterborough United into second place after their win. They travel to Posh this coming Saturday in the fourth of their six Merit League fixtures.
Looking back on the campaign so far, Goddard added: “We’ve made a solid start, and we have to kick-on from this.
“The only frustration is that we dropped points away to Luton, because we had enough opportunities to come away with at least a draw.
“Peterborough will be another challenge for us to overcome.
“The main focus of the Merit League is to plan, build and develop for next season, and we’re really well prepared for it.”