Sam Tillen was happy with the second half performance of his very young side despite a 2-1 defeat in the U17 PDL Cup.
An early free kick gave the visitors the lead before Max Robinson netted an equaliser for City following a long throw but with less than 10 minutes to go, Crewe found a winner. Tillen spoke about the experience the occasion would’ve given the younger players going forward.
He said: “It’s fantastic, some of the boys out there were 14 and they held their own incredibly well. I think it’s a great opportunity for them to play in a youth team environment with people watching under the lights.
“It replicates the FA Youth Cup feel for these younger lads so to allow them to experience that ahead of time is great. I thought all the lads who came up from the U15s and U16s acquitted themselves well and should be proud of themselves.”
Isaac Shaw was handed a start between the sticks for the young Imps and despite the result, pulled off some vital saves to keep City in the game.
Tillen said: “We spoke about it in the changing room after the game, he made some excellent saves and a couple were really top draw, we managed to head into the break level and Isaac was a big contributing factor to that.
“Given the second half performance I think a loss was unfortunate and their winning goal definitely felt like a sucker punch, but the lads know there were plenty of positives to be taken from the performance.”
The young Imps return to league action on Saturday as they host familiar foes Wrexham for the first time since City’s 4-2 win in last year’s FA Youth Cup.
Tillen added: “They’re always a good side who are very well organised and well drilled and we’re aware of their play style. We had a couple of encounters with them last season both in the Youth Cup and in the league.
“They play in a certain way but it’s very effective and will be a good challenge for the lads on Saturday.”
