Mason Rees scored the only goal of the game at the Academy of Light as the youngsters in old gold collected three points on the road in the U18 Premier League. McPike has highlighted the team’s ability to dig in for one another as an important trait, while expressing he’d like to see a clear identify on the pitch when Blackburn Rovers visit Compton Park on Saturday.
On responding well at Sunderland
“After the disappointment of the Newcastle game, we wanted a positive reaction. The under-18s games can be volatile if you get mismatched at the wrong time and there was a case of that the week before.
“Sunderland is a really difficult place to go - they’re a really big and strong team. The conditions also play their part.
“The boys first and foremost dug in massively and really worked hard for one another. The goal was a fantastic bit of football near the end of the game.”
On recent fixtures
“The Stourbridge game was probably a stretch too far for some of our boys and that knock-on effect was seen in the Newcastle game.
“We had a good week with them over half-term to prepare and train hard with them leading into the Sunderland game.
“The most consistent thing about under-18s players is that they’re going to be inconsistent. We’ve asked if they can produce that same level of effort and be a little bit more consistent than the week before.”
On maintaining standards
“The standards have been high and they’re still working really hard in training. We’re doing bits of extra work with them where we can, reflecting on the games and setting little mini targets for them.
“I’m really pleased with them. We’re a young team with the second years moving on, so it’s a good challenge for them.
“The only non-negotiable with the group is to put in 100% effort – whether it’s winning 1-0 or losing 2-0.”
On what he wants to see against Blackburn
“Blackburn will be similar in terms of being a really competitive game like Sunderland. They’re always competitive and strong, so it will be another really big test for our boys.
“I want to see a positive reaction building on from last week. Can we show a bit more consistency and work just as hard with and without the ball?
“Hopefully we can play some good football and have a bit of a clear identity of what we want to do with the ball.”
