Morgan Bacon and Max Brown on the start to the U18 season
Youth Team striker Max Brown spoke to University of Sunderland Journalism student Mark Donnelly after his goal saw the young Blues beat Tranmere Rovers.
The hard-fought 1-0 victory saw Darren Edmondson’s side keep their unbeaten start to the season intact while continuing a fine run of personal form for second-year scholar Brown.
And the striker admitted he was pleased with the result after a much improved second half.
“I think we didn’t turn up in the first half but in the second half we put in a really good performance,” he said. “We played them a lot last year and know they’re good, so it was nice to get a win.”
For Brown this is an important season as he looks to secure a professional contract upon the completion of his youth team scholarship.
He has certainly started positively - netting a hat-trick against Fleetwood before his effort against the Merseyside outfit.
“I’m pleased with how the season’s going so far,” said Brown. “It’s important to get going early. I want to push on and keep my form strong for the rest of the season.”
The introduction of Darren Edmondson along with Dave Wilkes has seen the Cumbrians climb up the table and they are currently enjoying a fine run of form.
Brown now wants his side to continue their good start.
“It’s looking good for the season so far and we’re near the top,” he added. “Darren and Dave have have been great. They’re really approachable and they keep you confident. Long may these results continue.”
Also up for some post-match interview reaction was keeper Morgan Bacon.
And, as far as birthdays go, it wasn’t such a bad one for the team captain.
He kept a clean sheet as United’s youth side claimed another win while keeping their unbeaten start to the 2016/17 intact.
Bacon made a fine save late on to protect the three points and admitted he’s had far worse birthdays.
“It’s not been a bad day at all,” he said. “It keeps our good start to the season going with four clean sheets.
“We knew we started slowly but we also knew if we started the second half properly and got in their faces we could get the win. I’ll take a clean sheet and a win for my birthday!”
With four consecutive wins under their belts, the young Blues are high on confidence and Bacon admitted the squad are in good spirits off the field as well.
“There’s a great spirit in the changing rooms at the moment after all the wins,” he added. “That definitely helps on the pitch. The coaching staff are filling us with confidence and we’re all working hard, so it’s going really well.”