Academy Manager Paul Stansfield has hailed the performance from our youth prospects as they edged a tight Yorkshire Derby against Bradford City.
“The performance had a bit of everything, I thought the lads were fantastic throughout. First half I thought we created a lot, we were the better side and looked comfortable. We deserved our goal and got it on the cusp of half time.“Second half we defended our area very well. I don't think they got into our box for the first half an hour. The final 15 minutes they started to put a bit of pressure on. We possibly could have defended set-pieces a bit better, other than that the lads were outstanding to a man.”
The win marks the sides third win in six days, after victories over Mansfield and Carlisle, and Stansfield believes the secret to the sides recent success is the work being produced off the field.
“We have won three games in six days, we have conceded one goal, scored eight so it's a fantastic achievement. Will gave them all a programme through Christmas and the lads have come back in great shape.
“They have been disciplined and you can't fault their commitment, the lads have been sending the progress of their workout to us every day. I am proud of them but I am not surprised at how good we look.”
The only goal of the game came in the closing stages of the first half as Finn O'Boyle picked out Josh Brodella with a cross which he converted at the back post.
The club's Academy Manager praised the quality of the move which led to the goal.
“We spoke to Josh about getting into that area at the back post because there is a lot of easy goals there. However, the build-up play was fantastic, Mani has gave a great ball into Finn. He has beat a man and got his head up and picked out Josh and it was a fantastic finish.”
Reflecting on the result Stansfield believes that recent results and performances are a sign of the mentality within the squad.
“It's definitely a barometer, Bradford are a quality team who are right up there at the top of the table. We have had a couple of good results ourselves and we knew this would be a real test today.
“Credit must go to the lads, every time we have asked a question of them this year they have stepped up. I think you can see the progress they are making, Josh and the guys have been working hard with them and they are lapping it up and we keep getting better.”
However, the academy chief has insisted the squad must not take their eye off the ball with a match against Doncaster on the horizon.
“We aren't getting the bunting out because we beat Bradford. We have Doncaster next week so we have to prepare well and do it right. To make this season as successful as we possibly can we have to do the right things and keep working hard.
“The lads are in Monday and they know that is what is expected so we're already looking ahead to that fixture.