Plenty of young talent emerging from the development squad
Despite slipping to defeat this lunchtime away at Chester, development squad manager Barry Nicholson was still pleased with his team’s showing.Jack Sowerby and Adam Nditi were goalscorers for Town in Cheshire, but the home side triumphed as they scored from two penalties and a set-piece.
Nicholson’s side have had an indifferent start to 2015 as they defeated Leeds United a fortnight ago before being beaten at Bolton Wanderers last week.
What has been a positive in recent weeks though is the number of players who have made the jump up into the first team squad.
Nick Haughton, Tyler Forbes and Ashley Hunter have all enjoyed minutes for Graham Alexander’s side, while Sowerby and Max Cartwright have also been involved.
Speaking after the game, Nicholson said: “We’re obviously disappointed with the result, but performance wise it was probably better than last week.
“Nathan (Pond), Tyler, Ashley, Jack and Max all travelled with the first team last night and we had them involved today.
“We’ve been undone by a free kick and two penalties, so all in all not too disappointed.
“It’s great that the youngsters have been involved in the first team, and it’s all down to them really.
“I’ve just tried to guide them in the right direction and make sure they’re strong enough when they do go up and train with the first team.
“The manager has already shown this season that no matter what age you are, if you’re good enough and willing to work hard for the team then he’s going to give lads a chance.
“To get so many lads involved with the first team in our first season as a squad is great, but they’ve still got a lot of learning to do and a lot of hard work.”