City U18 host Preston North End at Yarborough Leisure Centre on Saturday in the EFL Youth Alliance (12noon KO).
Hear from head coach Sam Tillen and midfielder Gbolahan Okewoye as well as important match information in this preview.
Sam Tillen’s thoughts:
[On Jaden Taylor coming into the side recently] “Jaden Taylor has really taken advantage of the opportunities he’s been given. He trains really well and he’s improved since he’s come in full time. He’s always been a very good shot stopper but the other facets in terms of the angles he gives in build up play and his distribution have really come on. I’ve been really pleased with Jaden, hopefully he’ll continue to improve.
[On Dan Vanderpuye, Zane Okoro and Dakara Wifa] “We benefit from their creativity and their ability to open up defences as a team and personally for them they’ve done really well in the last three games in particular. Dan’s got three goals in three games, Dakara is scoring and assisting and so is Zane. That’s really good and gives us an attacking intent and threat.
[On Preston] “It’s a big test on Saturday, I think Preston will be a step up in quality so hopefully we can see what we can produce and create in the final third on Saturday. I’m anticipating a good game and hopefully it will be. We’ve planned for a very strong to visit us and I’m looking forward to the challenge and how the boys respond to it.”
Gbolahan Okewoye on the 24/25 campaign so far:
[On how the young Imps have started the season] “It’s been a mixed bag so far, we started really well against Mansfield at home. We’ve played well in some games but just haven’t finished our chances but that’ll come as we’re a new group.
[On training with the first team in pre-season] “It was a good experience with the first team. It’s sharpened me up technically and physically. It’s good to watch the first team players, see how they play because they are where they are for a reason. It’s not just technically, mentally too, what they’re saying in terms of communication. Hopefully I can take that into my game with the 18s.
[On personal form] “I’m really pleased with that. It’s something I wanted to work on from last season, I’ve done well so far but hopefully I can take that forward going further into the season.”
A look at the opposition:
Preston have started the 24/25 season strongly, sitting second in the division after five games with ten points.
They have won their last three games, most recently beating Accrington Stanley in the Youth Alliance Cup 5-1 at home. In comparison, City have won their last two games, beating Notts County 3-1 on Tuesday night with an impressive second half performance.
Preston are a new opposition for Tillen’s side after the change of format in the Youth Alliance for this season. The Lilywhites won Group B of the 23/24 Youth Alliance by a singular point ahead of Wrexham.
Match information:
City continue their Youth Alliance campaign against high flying Preston and will look to make it three wins from three.
There will be updates on our Academy X account throughout the game.