Mansfield Town under-19s are back in Youth Alliance League action this Saturday with an encounter at home to Burton Albion at RH Academy (11am kick-off).
The Stags staged a second-half comeback against the Brewers in the Youth Alliance Cup last Friday.
Head of Academy goalkeeping Adam Collin believes the determination - to overturn a one-goal deficit and win 2-1 - will benefit the youngsters in their future careers.
“It’s an important feeling to get used to [scoring late on in games],” he said.
“As a squad and a team, we’re delighted. This group is a great group.
“Last year we probably would’ve gone on to lose two or three nil with the position we were in [1-0 down] so it’s a good sign.
“It was significant.”
Midfielder Alfie King and striker Louis Bonser netted the all-important Mansfield goals at RH Academy and caught the eye after coming on as half-time substitutes.
“Both lads came on at half-time and they made an impact.
“Louis got the winner with a great finish, but his overall work rate gave us a platform.
“Alfie was really creative and looked a constant threat throughout.”
The Stags will play last week’s opponents again this Saturday and Adam expects a similar type of game from Burton.
“I think it’ll be similar from them [but] we’re not too worried about that.
“They changed their formation to try and stop us causing problems.
“We know we have to stand up to long throws, but we will focus on ourselves. We also need to be better with the ball.”
Defensively, Adam believes the side are developing more by each match.
“I think we’re getting better and tougher. We’re trying to earn clean sheets,” said the coach.
“We can still improve. We’ve got Cormac [Maher] and Elliot [Hartmann] both under-16, Darien [Wauchope] has been outstanding and Ben [Whelan] is really growing into that position [centre-back].
“We’ve got some young boys in there who are learning their trade but they’re shaping up well against tough opponents.”
Stags have reaped the rewards for a hard-working pre-season in their opening matches of the 2022/23 season.
“We’re three unbeaten but from a development point of view, Darien and Charlie have been outstanding as second years.
“Cormac as a centre-half – I don’t see many better under-16 centre-halves around, certainly in the area.
“Theo Avery in goal has been outstanding also, especially with his distribution.
“It's a really exciting group of young players. We’ve got some under-15s and under-16s in the squad and we’re excited to see where they can go.
“We want to get them in the first team as soon as possible, so watch this space with them.”
Saturday’s fixture will take place at RH Academy and will kick-off at 11am. The match can be attended by supporters FREE of charge.
The venue for the match is: Woburn Ln, Pleasley, Mansfield NG19 7RT