Professional Development Phase Coach Ben King was pleased with the application of the first team players that featured alongside the academy in Tuesday night’s Walsall Senior Cup win over Rocester.
Goals on the night were plentiful for the Saddlers as Timmy Abraham scored a brace, as well as Liam Gordon, Jack Shaw and Noel Angafor getting themselves a goal each.
As well as being impressed on the night with the four first team players that featured, King was also delighted with the performance that the under-18s put in.
“The lads have done really well,” said King. “We had a couple of pros in there and we worked incredibly hard all night and showed our quality and competed well against men for the most part and the physical aspect of the game.
“I was impressed with the performances of the under-18’s; we knew what sort of game we would be playing as they’re a team that like to get stuck in and get in your face but we didn’t back away from the challenge and fought against it as well as playing simple football so that was pleasing to see. They stuck to the game plan well throughout the game.
“Timmy, Ronan Maher, Liam and Jonas Mukuna applied themselves really well both on and off the pitch and communicated well with the rest of the group.
“As first team players, it gives the younger lads a chance to see their qualities and mindset to aid their personal development and knowledge of the game so it was great to have them in amongst the group.”