Following the under-18s’ narrow 2-1 defeat to Blackpool in the Youth Alliance Cup Northern Section Final, we spoke to Mark Birch.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, Birch discussed fine margins in a cup final, pride in his players’ effort and the bigger picture of development within the academy.
Here is everything we learnt:
A proper cup final decided by moments
“I think what it was, it was a good game, like a good cup final. I don't think that both teams could probably hold their hands up and say they can play better. Games like that are won in fine moments and they probably, throughout the game, had slightly more moments than we did.
“It was a great goal by their lad at the end to go and win it, which is disappointing for us but sometimes you just have to get on with it and it is what it is.”
Immense pride in the players’ effort
“For what I can say for our players, they stuck in there, they never give up. We were waiting for that one opportunity and we took it.
“I can't knock this bunch. It probably wasn't the best performance we've ever had but what they do, they just keep going and they grind teams down.”
Momentum after the equaliser
“Once we got the goal, it was us who had the momentum to go on and get more opportunities in the game.
“We felt that we were the ones pressing forward and committing, but again we were always a little bit vulnerable.”
Learning to manage key moments
“The good thing is we got first contact on the set-piece, it's just those second balls that we never picked up and obviously they had a hell of a strike to go and win it.
“Second balls are massive in any game of football and players have to be turned on to that aspect.”
Supporting Tai after the own goal
“We said to Tai, don’t sulk. I’ve scored own goals, other people have scored own goals. It’s not about scoring the own goal, it’s about overcoming disappointment.
“You can't look at the past but the future - what can you do to prevent that happening again? How are you going to roll your sleeves up and move on?”
A clinical finish from Reuben
“That’s what Reuben’s capable of. I think that’s 22 or 23 goals he’s got so far this season.
“It can be frustrating at times but you know he will have moments and create opportunities for himself and others.”
Work rate both on and off the ball
“I think we work hard both on and off the ball. Off the ball is something that we pride ourselves on, not making it easy for teams, not giving teams space.
“That’s where we got our rewards from today but in the vital areas with the ball, we probably weren’t good enough.”
Handling the emotion of a final
“They’re young players, so you expect nerves and a little bit of anxiety around the game. That’s something we have to cope with.
“It’s all about development and the players will be better for that today. Experiencing a final like this can define how far they go.”
The bigger picture - development over silverware
“It’s not about us as development coaches talking about what’s gone wrong, it’s about how they’re feeling in defeat.
“We’re competing against League One clubs on a weekly basis and I couldn’t be more proud of what the lads have achieved this year.”
Pathway to the first team remains the priority
“We want debuts, we want people in and around the first team. To lose players because they’re involved with the first team, we take that every day of the week — that’s what we do it for.
“The hardest thing now is putting those performances in week after week, staying grounded and keep working hard. That pathway is there, but they’ve got to be good enough and ready when called upon.”
