Our U18s are back in action at the Oakwell Training Ground as they entertain Swansea City on Saturday morning, kick-off at 11am.
The young Reds finished second in the Professional Development League last term, agonisingly losing out in the play-offs to southern champions Charlton Athletic.
However, wing-back Josh McKay is aiming to use that disappointment as motivation and a springboard for success this campaign.
“First and foremost, we want to win,” he asserted. “Swansea were the first game of the season last time; we dominated and should have won the game, but we didn’t, so we want to get revenge. Obviously, we want to start the season well and make sure we get a win."
It has been a productive pre-season for the U18s, who picked up plenty of positive results whilst working their way back to match fitness.
Morale is high within the camp and McKay is urging his teammates to continue their fine form in fixtures that matter.
“It’s all been good momentum – we didn’t lose a game – and we beat Forest as well; they played seven of the lads who were in the FA Youth Cup final, so that was a major test and we absolutely smashed them,” he continued.
“That was a very good game, and it put confidence and momentum into the squad, so hopefully we can take all those pre-season wins and carry them into the season. I think, if we do, we should do well this season.”
The goals have flown in this summer for our youngsters, with Josiah Dyer, Emmaisa Nzondo and Mylan Benjamin particularly catching the eye, while McKay and opposite wing-back Hayden Pickard have also chipped in.
It has been exciting to watch, and supporters saw first-hand on Open Day the attacking prowess that our U18s possess as Lincoln City were brushed aside 5-2.
“Me and Hayden are more attacking and will get balls into the box, there’s Fab, Mylan and big Jed up there who will go and attack the ball, so I know they’ll be there and I can whip one in for them,” stated McKay.
“There should be plenty more goals this season and hopefully lots of goals and assists for me and Hayden.”
