City's U18s return to PDL action on Saturday afternoon, facing Charlton Athletic.
The fixture will take place on February 1st, with a kick-off time of 1pm.
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
Ahead of the game, U18 head coach Tom Hutton said: “The result from the weekend has had a really positive effect on the whole squad. Reflecting on the game, even though we came away with a 5-0 win, there are still elements from the game that we know we have to work on, so it was important to share those things with the boys this week. We’re not going to be defined by that scoreline. We have to focus on the performance, but having said that, the boys deserve huge credit for how they approached the game. We asked them to come into it with a competitive mindset, and it’s so important in those derby games to show a will to win, and the boys definitely showed that.
“The last couple of weeks have been a challenge. We’ve had two very difficult games, and the boys have been challenged to play at a certain level in both of them. The disappointment of going out in the FA Youth Cup, to then have to quickly learn from that game and move on to look ahead to Swansea was a challenge. We weren’t down in the dumps after the Bristol defeat, but similarly, we’ve not gotten too high after the derby win. There’s always a bigger picture when you work with young players.
“Charlton are a good academy and have got a really good catchment area, and they are renowned for bringing through some good players. We know what we’re going to get from Charlton. We’ve played them throughout the years, and they are always one of the top teams in the division. They’re consistent in their style and their identity but we’re confident with the group that we’ve got and we’re in a good place after the result over the weekend.”
PRE-MATCH | JAC THOMAS
U18 captain Jac Thomas added: “The win over Swansea in our last game was a significant result and it’s certainly lifted the mood around the dressing room, especially after the disappointment of the FA Youth Cup. It’s good to now be able to focus on the league again and try and get a Play-Off spot. However, it’s important we don’t get too ahead of ourselves because of one win.
“To be able to play two big games back-to-back has been a huge learning experience for us as a squad. It’s given us a taste of what it might be like at senior level. It’s also helped us with the experience of a big win and a disappointing loss, and derby games like that show just how important they are and how much they matter. It’s meant we’ve been able to bring out a competitive side. At youth level, it’s not always about the result, but in those sorts of games, you really want to win.
“Charlton away is always a tough game in the season. It’s never easy to go there, especially with their style of play. Their squad is very athletic and physical, but we know we have to match them and let our football do the talking.”
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for this Saturday's match at Sparrows Lane will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending on Saturday should use the following address:
Charlton Athletic F.C. Training Ground, Sparrows Lane, London, SE9 2JR.
The ground is located an 8-minute walk from New Eltham station.