Richard Walker is hoping for more of the same from his team when Wolves under-18s travel to Blackburn Rovers in the U18 Premier League on Saturday.
Following back-to-back victories in all competitions, the Old Gold head into the game in impressive form having netted six times in the process. Head coach Walker has spoken on last weekend’s 3-0 win over Sunderland, travelling to Blackburn and the fast-approaching U17 PL Cup semi-final at Stoke City.
On victory against Sunderland last time out
“It was really hard work to earn the right to play. Sunderland were aggressive, on the front foot and we had to match that side of it which I thought the players did really well in doing.
“When we played and got into our front players, we caused them problems because we’ve got good front players.
“The goals were three outstanding goals and all different types of goals. Makenzie (Bradbury) set the ball rolling with a really good solo goal, driving forward from midfield, shifting onto his left and drilling into the corner which was really pleasing for him.
“It was followed up by Tom Edozie with a rocket on the angle. He’s in really good form, both with the ball but also without it. He’s working really diligently for the team and we know he’s capable of producing those moments which are coming more often than they were previously. He continues to impact games in a really positive way.
“Finally, Fabian Reynolds scored a really good individual goal, checking in onto his left foot and he spotted the goalkeeper off his line to chip it into the far corner. That puts him as the leading scorer and he does a really good job for the team out wide.
“In addition to the goals, it was pleasing to get the clean sheet. Caden (Voice), Hayden (Carson), Lewys Benjamin, Alfie White have done well back there and Lennon Patterson’s come in and done well. They’ll be pleased to get that clean sheet which is the sixth of the season.”
On travelling to Blackburn
“We played Blackburn in the first game of the season and they were probably the better team on the day. We drew the game and had a chance to win it late on, but they were probably the better team.
“They play big diagonals, they look to put it on you and we’ll have to make sure we earn the right to play and match them in the competitive nature.
“As long as we match that, we’ve got quality, if we’re brave enough to get the ball down and play, to hurt them.
“It certainly won’t be easy, it’s never easy at Blackburn. It’s quite a tight pitch so there’s not a massive amount of space and people have got to be brave to take the ball in tight areas.
“If we do that, hopefully we can put in a good performance and build on the recent wins.”
On the U17 PL Cup semi-final fast approaching
“When you’re two games away from winning a trophy and one game away from a final, that’s a really mouth-watering one for the players.
“We’re in the semi-final along with Man City, Chelsea and Stoke and we’ve been drawn to play Stoke away. It’ll be under the lights, a midweek game and everyone’s looking forward to it.
“It will be a great occasion for the players and hopefully we can put in a good performance and make our way to a final.”
