Head of Academy Paul Thomas was very pleased with his players even though they lost their first game in the National League Academy North by 5-0 at Solihull Moors on Wednesday afternoon.

For some of the lads, it was their first long journey to play a football match, and Thomas said; “All of the lads worked hard and showed a great attitude throughout the game.

“Maybe not surprisingly after a long journey, they were a little bit stiff in the first 15/20 minutes and conceded two goals, but then we got back into it and created some good chances, but couldn’t take them.

“We made changes in the second half to give some of our first year players a run out, and after we’d used all our subs, one of the players went off injured and so we finished the game with ten men.

“It was when we were down to ten that Solihull scored three more.

“There were plenty of positives from the game. We got into some really good positions with some good football in the middle part of the game, and our second year students stood up and supported the first year students.

“They all worked hard throughout the game, and showed a really good attitude. Plus, the long journey home gave us the chance to bond, and build a spirit of togetherness.”

The Academy’s next game is in the FA Youth Cup at Seaham Red Star next week, the day is yet to be confirmed.