Under 18s coach Simon Wiles is pleased with his side after their FA Youth Cup Second Round win over Walsall at the Banks’s Stadium on Tuesday.
Fleetwood Town’s youngster took on the Saddlers in the Second Round tie and walked away 3-0 winners – thanks to goals from Carl Johnston, James Hill and Ben Thompson.
Here is what Wiles had to say after the game.
On the way the players played…
“I’m absolutely delighted for the lads – I thought we played well.
“It was a matter of us utilising the key passes in the final third. Doing that allowed us to take the lead in the first half and build on that in the second half.
“It was a tough game - we knew it was going to be a tough game. Walsall’s pressing was very good, and it was all about being patient and working through the first line of their press.”
On Town’s first two goals....
“It was an absolutely fantastic finish from Carl [Johnston]. Him and Cian Hayes are always around the free kicks, so just a bit of creativity just to move the wall and fool the keeper which they did. Carl’s finish is absolutely outstanding and one that all the lads are buzzing with!
“The build-up for the second goal was exciting but you can’t fault Barry Baggley’s delivery. His delivery for Hill was outstanding. It’s one that we’ve worked on and it great when you see it come off in games. Absolutely delighted with it.
On the lessons learned during the game…
“I said to them ‘what have they learned?’ They learned how to manage games that get a bit scrappy, and how to look after each other and the importance of the basics.
“They came up with those answers so they can work on them moving forward. It was a great experience for the lads to play in a game against a side that make it difficult, and to see them play their game and finish positively was pleasing.
“Everyone is excited now. That was my message at the end of the team talk. We said go and win the game and you will be in the Third Round. All the staff and players are looking forward to who we get. It’s an exciting time for us and something we can’t wait for!”