Imps U18 1 Bradford City U18 1

Sam Tillen

Sam Tillen was delighted with the performance of his younger players against Bradford City.

The young Imps picked a point at the Elite Performance Centre with Noah Simmons’ first goal of the season earning City a 1-1 draw.

Tillen said: “It was a very pleasing performance. I thought we were defensively very compact, organised and assured and offered a real goal threat going forward, typified by Noah’s delightful lob.

“I was very pleased with the four U16s who started, Kian Sagoo, Josh Kennealey who played up front after illness struck Will Cowin overnight, Leo Vout had to move to wing back and adapted brilliantly and Lewy Oliver was again exemplary in defence.”

Tillen believes his side can take confidence from the performance into their upcoming games as they look to finish their Youth Alliance season strong.

He added: “Hopefully this fills the younger players with confidence as Bradford are a good side.

“If we show the same diligence, aggression and organisation in defence whilst continuing to threaten going forward, they should know that despite their age disparity they are a match for anyone.”

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