Sam Tillen was pleased with his team’s performance against Sheffield Wednesday U18 as pre-season preparations ramped up for the young Imps.
A volley from Leo Vout and a penalty save just before half-time from Jaden Taylor helped City to a 1-1 draw at the Steel City Stadium against the Owls on Saturday - building on a comeback against Lincoln United in their opening friendly.
Tillen said: “It was a very positive performance from the boys and they should feel a tinge of disappointment that they didn’t put the game to bed but, result aside, it was great to get everyone through 45/60 minutes of football injury free.
“The second-half saw rotations in personnel but we looked organised, disciplined and pressed well, while still creating some gilt-edged chances to extend our lead however we were pegged back with three minutes to play, which I felt was rather undeserved considering our performance.”
Despite not coming away with a victory, Tillen stressed that his side had more than enough chances to win the game - he is hoping they can build on this heading into the next few weeks before their early August Youth Alliance opener.
He added: “In possession, especially in transition, we were a threat and created a high number of good chances against a very competent side which was encouraging.
“Hopefully as our pre-season continues we will become more clinical in front of goal but the creation of opportunities shows we are already doing something right."
City U18: Taylor, Carlisle (C), Simmons, Huggins, Vout, Inyama, Kennealey, Sagoo, Vanderpuye, Bada, Trialist
Subs: Preston, Hetherington-Field, Aldridge, Wilson, Minh Quach, Parkinson-Maynard, Mende, Ward