Sam Tillen believes he has learnt a lot about his side during their pre-season tour in Bath.
City U18 played three games on their pre-season tour and ended it with a 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle, but Tillen is reflecting positively on the week as a whole.
He said: “As staff we learnt a great deal from the game and the trip, and there were some very positive performances on tour, with Noah Simmons, Charlie Carlisle, Carter Ford and 15-year-old Josh Kenneally impressing.”
Tillen was pleased with the performance despite the late defeat to Plymouth and praised the work rate of his side after three games in just five days.
He added: “Plymouth were a good side, who moved the ball well. We altered our shape slightly and the players worked extremely hard, particularly with it being their third game in five days.
“The first half was pretty even, not too many clear cut chances. We nearly went ahead just before half-time through Dan Vanderpuye. We looked more resolute and our defensive shape was better.
“The defensive discipline was good and we looked a threat on the counter. The lads were visibly tired but their work rate was fantastic and they didn’t deserve to concede at the end.”
Moving into their third week of pre-season, the young Imps continue their preparations with games against Qatar U20 and Bottesford Town.