Norwich City Under-18s coach Greg Crane credited the young Canaries for their attitude to come back and win after conceding early to Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
The U18s conceded after an early counter-attack from the Seagulls but bounced back with three impressive goals to take all three points from the south coast.
Asked for his thoughts on the game, Crane says he was mainly impressed by the team’s never say die attitude to come back and win the game, despite the early sucker punch as they went a goal down.
“First I thought it was really impressive to have the reaction they showed. In the last two games we’ve been on the receiving end of the wrong results for the lads, but I’ve been more disappointed with their desire.
“I think today they really showed that desire to want to defend, to want to block, to want to run, and that’s really good to see.
“I thought having Saxon [Earley] back from long-term injury sort of epitomised that with his tackles and his hard work. I was really pleased with all the lads’ effort and the application they showed today.
“We should expect that from the lads, that’s the attitude we embed in them every day and so they should be doing it every day. I was pleased, but that’s what we expect from the lads.”
Under-18s forward Ken Aboh provided two of City’s goals with fine finishes, which Crane was impressed to see, especially after an earlier challenge for his weaker foot!
“Ken [Aboh] just plays with a smile on his face, he’s just a great kid to be around, I love his enthusiasm for the game.
“I always like to see Ken score goals, I’ve been putting a bit of pressure on him and his left foot and he tucks both away with the left today! I’m really pleased with Ken and the rest of the team in how hard they all worked.”
Finally, with just seven games to go, Crane says now is the time for the Under-18s to start building for the next season of U18 Premier League action as they look to expose even more young Canaries to the age group.
“I think this end of the season is time to expose a few more to 18s football. Some of the younger ones, Ken and Alex [Matos] have both been playing, so the next stage is building for next season as well and finishing working on things for how we start next season.
“It’s important that they finish these games and continue to have these habits that we’ve had all season and for the lads coming in and getting involved, they need to understand the club’s values and the way we play, that’s the focus for the next seven games.”
