Sam Tillen was delighted to see his young side rewarded with a late equaliser for their efforts in the final PDL Cup group game as they drew 1-1 with the Brewers.
The young Imps were a persistent threat throughout the tie but lacked the finishing touch until, with two minutes to go, Dan Vanderpuye rose highest to head the ball into the back of the net and out of reach of the Burton Albion shot stopper.
City have advanced into the PDL Shield after finishing second in their group - the boss reflected on the competition so far.
Tillen said: “It’s been great, we’re three games in now and we’ve played several U16s and even U15s, it’s given them the opportunity to work with their colleagues who are a little bit older.
“For them to be around the group and integrate with them is important and for them to play on nights like these where it in a way replicates some FA Youth Cup games and hopefully games they might experience further in their career.”
Young goalkeeper Isaac Shaw has played between the sticks in both home fixtures in this competition and the gaffer has been pleased with his performance and the experience he will have gained.
He said: “He made some good saves again tonight and hope the experience of this competition can give him more confidence going forward.
“These evenings allow the lads to experience what life around youth team football would look like and tonight they’ve played against individuals who have made first-team appearances for Burton so they’ve all acquitted themselves incredibly well.”
Imps XI: Shaw, Chipperfield (Tunstall 75'), Wilson, Don-Duncan, Simmons, Blant (Sagoo 61'), Kennealey, Inyama, Vanderpuye, Hutton, Mande (Foulston 75'). Unused subs: Taylor, Huggins.
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