Lee: Hard work paying off

Academy coach thrilled at Baby Whites' display in the capital

David Lee revealed his delight at the way in which his young side acquitted themselves against Arsenal at the weekend, with the club’s U18 coach hoping that it will be the start of something special.

The Baby Whites secured a 1-1 draw in North London against the Gunners on Saturday, with promising Spanish striker Guillermo Torres finding the back of the net for the Whites.

Having suffered a number of disappointing results in recent weeks, Lee explained that display by his side in the capital was proof of the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes at Lostock.

“We keep going on about the results, but the performance of the players individually is a lot deeper and is what we look at,” he said. 

“There were some good individual performances and the overall performance was good - from the players’ perspective, they got a point away at Arsenal which is no mean feat at any level.”

With Middlesbrough next up on Saturday afternoon, Lee admitted that while the North East outfit will offer a different kind of test for his youngsters, it is one which they are relishing.

“The technical element that Arsenal like to play with is maybe a little bit slower paced, whereas Middlesbrough are the kind of team who want to get in your face and upset you which is a different challenge again for the players.”

He added: “Hopefully the confidence that has come from the game at Arsenal will be kept in tow during the week and then they’ll be ready to go against Middlesbrough for another challenge on Saturday.”

To watch the full interview, please click below.

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