Youth Team boss reacts to FA Youth Cup victory
Shrewsbury Town’s Youth Team made it through to the last 32 of the FA Youth Cup last night with a 2-1 victory over Accrington Stanley.Accrington took the lead, but goals from Ryan Sears and Matt Jones sent Town through to the fourth round.
Caretaker Under-18s Manager Matt Rains was delighted with the result.
“I’m delighted to get through,” Matt told ShrewsWeb.
“I’m delighted for the boys most of all because the league hasn’t gone as well as we would have liked it to. So, to have a little run in the FA Youth Cup is fantastic for them and something that they deserved based on the performance in the second half.
“We started a little bit slowly and conceded from a set-piece, but I think we scored at a very good time and it gave us a chance to go in level at half time and for 45 minutes go out and try and win the game of football.
“Obviously scoring early in the second half was great, but I also felt we were in control for a large part of that second half and probably could have extended the lead.”
Town have struggled in the league this season, but Tuesday night’s display was one of their best this campaign and Matt admitted that he always felt confident after getting the goal on the stroke of half time.
“The first half was frustrating,” Rains said.
“We couldn’t seem to get any sort of rhythm or create any clear cut chances, so to score from a cleared set piece changes the dynamic and the feeling in the changing room at half time.
“And then to score so early in the second half puts it right in your favour and if you’re Accrington you’re feeling a little bit hard done by to have conceded two goals in quick succession.
“It would have been nice to have scored three and secured it a little bit more, but I never felt we were at a stage where we were hanging on.
“There were a few nervous moments with balls over the top, but I felt we were fully in control and fully worth the win.”
Rains paid tribute to his players and is hopeful of a big draw in the next round of the competition.
“I think everyone can take credit for reaching the last 32, players and staff,” said Matt.
“In my time here I’ve only known us to make the first or second round. I know a few years ago we played Newcastle away and I’m sure if you ask the lads they would love a big day out against a top club.
“If we get that draw let’s make sure it’s not just a day out, let’s go there and give a great account of ourselves and try and win the game, because who knows the run could go on.
“It’s been great up to now and I’m really pleased for the boys because they put a big emphasis themselves on this competition at the start of the season and I know it means a lot to them and I’m sure they’ll be enjoying every moment.”