A SECOND half goal from Lewis Young was enough to hand the under 18s all three points in Birmingham last weekend.

The goal came with 78 minutes on the clock and Young took an advantage of a mistake by a Birmingham player.

The Hornets were without Dale Bennett and Liam Henderson who are both on work experience with non league Wealdstone. They are both big players for the under 18s - and Bennett is the captain.

However the young team reacted well to the change and Eddie Oshodi stepped in at centre half. It was a welcomed victory and was the first of the year for the young Hornets. 

Youth team coach Sean Dyche said: "It was a good performance all round. The first half was slow but after the break we got to grips with the match and controlled the game very well.

"It was certainly one of better performances this season and it could have been more.

Goalscorer Lewis Young

"The change from a school environment to that of a football club is really huge and it is a very big adjustment. The under 16s have a real buzz when they step up to play for the under 18s.

"Some people fly out of the blocks while others take a bit of time to adjust and get to grips with the system.

"It takes time for them to reach our expectations and their own as well. But they are showing some good signs and there is more to come as well."  

*Bennett was named man of the match for Wealdstone last Saturday in their victory over Hasting United, while Henderson also got on the score sheet in his debut for the 'Stones.

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