CALLUM McKenzie has praised the U-18’s for playing the Shrewsbury Town way after their impressive 3-1 victory over Port Vale.
Goals from; Ethan O’Toole, Edan Sears and Tom Bloxom secured the young shrews first league away win of the season.
Despite the comprehensive scoreline, the Shrews had fallen behind early in the game and McKenzie was impressed with how his side reacted, he said; “When we conceded the goal it could have gone the other way and our heads could have dropped.
“They are good lads and I’m pleased because they worked hard and reacted in a positive way, they got a foothold in the game and scored three very good goals”.
The squad included four U-16 players as well as U-18’s who haven’t had as much game time this season and they all impressed McKenzie, he said; “We were intense and had a high work rate, we made it difficult for them.
“We were very resilient we made a lot of changes today and they jelled well together. Everyone who was involved worked hard, the boys haven’t played a great deal that started today you could sense their determination.
“I’m just really pleased for the U-16’s, they are doing so well in their league, there were four involved today and there is another 2 or 3 who are close.
“That’s the biggest plus point for me but also the reaction of some of the lads who haven’t had many minutes”.
McKenzie believes his side were fully deserving in securing their first away win of the season, he said; “We have been pleased in the majority games we have played away this season.
“We have been good, but we have just found the win hard to come by and have made mistakes at key times in some games. There’s a little bit of relief but with the performance we deserved it”.
The team played like a side brimming with confidence and McKenzie praised the sides style of play, he said; “We have a philosophy in the academy and mixing the team you wouldn’t know they hadn’t played before. For me that’s the biggest plus point, they played the Shrewsbury Town way”.