Clipstone U18s' manager Tim Wainwright praises side after first ever victory

The side was only set up in December as part of the club’s plans for the future, and had lost their first four matches.

But on Thursday, on a wet and windy night, the young Cobras showed great determination to fight back from 3-1 down to beat the Stags 4-3 (see report page 81).

Harry Lindsey equalised in the first half for Clipstone and then, after they trailed 3-1 in the second period, Kyle Crook, Charlie Knott and Crook again turned the game around.

Wainwright said: “I’m really chuffed for the lads in there.

“We’ve given the players a lot of information, there’s been lots of tactical knowledge to take on board and we’ve sent over videos of how we want to play in group chats.

“Yes, it was nice to get a win but I said to the players afterwards that we won’t get carried away. It’s the first win and now that, for me, is the benchmark to push on.”

Wainwright was pleased with the structure and organisation of the team.

“The lads were organised and our starting positions to press were impressive, but what the boys did is they earned the right to play,” he added.

“They worked extremely hard. It was a wet, windy evening and, considering the conditions, we played well and won possession of the ball back quickly.

“We made some really good decisions on the ball but off the ball, after a shakey first 10-15 minutes, I was impressed with the tenacity and the workrate of the whole team.”

“Defensively I thought we were excellent, we looked very good going forward, with some real standout performances. We attacked with purpose and real quality at times, we didn’t just lump it.”

Wainwright also praised his side’s determination.

“When we went 3-1 down, we were still positive in our approach and we ended up being worthy winners.

“Now it’s a challenge for the players to keep the levels of consistency high. I was just really pleased that our heads didn’t drop.”