David Longwell reflects on Town's 0-4 loss to Walsall in the FA Youth Cup.
Shrewsbury Town's under-18 side were unable to progress to the second round of the FA Youth Cup as the young Shrews suffered a 0-4 defeat against Walsall.
Town Academy Manager David Longwell was disappointed with the under-18’s result and feels the younger players will learn from the occasion.
On the result:
“The bottom line is, Walsall were better than us - we can’t hide from that. They were hungrier and more up for it than the lads but it’s a good lesson for the boys. We have to learn to deal with these occasions and hopefully respond when they come around again.
“It’s was the first time a lot of our first-years played in the stadium and they didn’t adjust to it well. You have got to give credit to Walsall though, they were more up for the game and we didn’t deal with that.”
On the FA Youth Cup:
“It’s disappointing not to progress in this competition. Last year we had a good run and we beat Port Vale in the first round and we played very well. Every game in this competition is massive for every club involved. We have got to be honest and we have got to learn to deal with these occasions and the way we go into the games.
“Walsall were up for the cup game today and we weren’t but what it does do for our younger players in the side is hopefully help them experience-wise, to go again next year.
“The lads have got to go into the next game and find their confidence and try and turn some things they’ve got wrong, around. We have to compete more and be positive.
"To be a successful young player, you’ve got to want to win the game and I think if the lads start to show more aggression than our opponents, we will start to see a run of positive form again.”
