Youth Coach Grant Brown was delighted after his side's 3-1 home victory over Burton Albion in Saturday morning's Football League Youth Alliance fixture.

"It was a game of two halves really," he said. "I thought we were slow in coming out of the blocks - unlike in our previous home game.

"But overall it was pleasing. Particularly in the second half, I was really pleased with them.

"It was a bad time to concede a goal just before half time, but these things happen. At least it gives you 45 minutes to put it right.

"We said at half time we needed to be brave enough to pass the ball better. In the first half we were happy to kick it long and look for seconds.

"Throughout the second half we were the better side. The players responded to what we spoke about at half time, and that's all you can ask."

Mindful of the younger members of his team, Brown was all the more heartened by their performance.

"We had quite a few U16s playing today - some actually playing their first games. That could maybe explain why it took them a little time to get used to the pace and tempo of the game.

"We're not a big side, but you want your two centre halves to be dominant. As a pair Greg Enstone and Jack Davies headed the ball and got challenges in, which inspired the rest of the team.

"From playing them earlier on in the season, we knew Burton Albion play quite direct and they've got the players to do that.

"But we counteracted that well and stood up to the challenge."

Brown also had words of praise for other players who played their part in the win.

"For the penalty it was a great run by Karl Cunningham, which showed the ability he's got. With his great feet, great balance, he draws in fouls and won us the penalty.

"James Wilson and Jack Thomas worked very well together down the left hand side.

"And I'm really pleased for Rob Brewer getting another goal.

"Rob's not had a lot of starts this season, but I told him before Christmas to be more selfish in front of goal. If you're a centre forward you need to score goals.

"He's scored two in two now. It was a really cool finish today, he took it well."

Brown derived particular satisfaction from his side's third goal.

"And then there was my inspired substitution!"

"With a wide free kick you'd normally leave the striker on and see if he scores before he comes off. But instead I said to Arran (Brookbanks) go and get your head on this and get yourself a goal.

"Great delivery by Wilson and Arran's done what we've been working on the last few weeks. He got across his marker and it was a good header across the keeper.

"In fairness we got some decent balls in the box and attacked them well."

Dan Mooney