United made it two wins from two Youth Alliance Cup group games on Tuesday afternoon when they came from behind to beat a very good Bradford City side at a rain-soaked Creighton.
Youth boss Mark Birch said: “That’s probably the best side we’ve played against so far this season.
“The way they go about things and try to play football is really good, and they stick to that even when things are going against them.
“But when we play with energy and drive, as we did, we’re a match for any team in our category. The lads recovered from the early setback and did the things we asked them to do, which is really pleasing.”
“The way we conceded was a lesson for us, because we were a bit disjointed at times through that opening 20 minutes,” he added. “We got done twice over the top in the first half and that’s something we’ll look at and make sure we learn from.
“The reaction to conceding was exactly what you want to see. Once we got the equaliser it felt like we were going to go on and win it, and the lads made sure that was the outcome.
“All three of our goals were good for different reasons. Even the one that comes off Alex Potts, I think it hit his back on the way in, that happened because they kept the ball alive and got the reward.
“There was a real desire to create chances and finish them off and, if one was missed, they just dusted themselves off and went again.”
The tempo increased a notch after the break with much of the play in the Bradford half.
“We were at them straight away and the energy levels and fitness started to show through,” he commented. “There was a willingness to press and close down, and they kept that up all the way through to the final whistle.
“The defence stayed disciplined and organised and the forward players kept asking for the ball and supporting each other. It was a very good team performance.
“There’s a mentality within the group at the moment where they’re taking every game as it comes. They aren’t thinking that they’re better than they are, or that they can relax because they’ve won a few.
“They know they have to keep doing it, and that’s why they’re currently top of their division.
“It’s also great for them to see the manager and all of the first-team staff here watching as well. That always adds something because they know if they play well it puts them under the spotlight.
“They put in an excellent shift and I’m pleased for them that they got the result they deserved.”