The U21s look to extend their winning start in the Professional Development League with another trip to London tomorrow (Tuesday), writes Pete Oliver.
The young Whites visit the capital for the third time this season to take on Millwall at the Lions’ training ground (KO 2pm).
After losing at Queens Park Rangers first up in the Premier League Cup, Julian Darby’s side is unbeaten in four games since – including three successive wins in the league.
That run has put Wanderers top of the table with a 100 per cent record they will put to the test against a Millwall side which has lost its first two league games.
“At this stage of the season we're two or three games into the league campaign, so it doesn't really count for anything at the minute,” said Darby.
“If it's like that after 13 or 14 games then that'd be happy days and I'd take that. We just have to keep ticking along nicely and play your cards a little bit close to your chest and see what the next game brings.
“It will be another difficult test down at Millwall. You know what you’re going to get at Millwall. It'll be a bit physical and you’re going to have to, first of all, win your battles for the first and second pieces and we’ll take it from there.”
The U21s have adapted well to life at a new level after their upgrade in academy status with Darby stepping up from the U18s to lead the team.
The Wanderers’ stalwart is working with many of the players who he led to league success at youth level a couple of years ago, along with new signings Max Lott, Charlie Paye, Finn Wilkinson and Tom King who signed over the summer, and is pleased with the progress made so far as his side sets the early pace.
“It’s a slightly different level, a different challenge, and when you're doing well and you're winning games, or not getting beat, it just makes it all the nicer,” added the head coach.
“I'm not stupid enough to think that we're going to go the whole season like that. At some stage something will happen but the longer it stays that we're unbeaten then the better and we just keep preparing the lads for every game as they come.
“It’s tough. There are some really good teams out there and after these next two games against Millwall and QPR we go more regional. We start playing just all the northern teams – Sheffield United, Hull City, Sheffield Winters and teams like that – and we play them home and away, so there some really good games coming.
“And it’s not just playing them. You’re playing them on nice training grounds and there are quite a few at stadiums as well, so it's great for the lads and something to look forward to.”
Wanderers’ next fixture at the Toughsheet Community Stadium is against Queens Park Rangers in the PDL on Monday 21st, September (KO 1pm).
Meanwhile, one of the younger academy teams is also in action tomorrow when the Whites entertain Oldham Athletic at U17 level in the Professional Development League Cup at Lostock (KO 1.30pm). Wanderers are yet to win in the U18 PDL but started their league cup campaign with a 4-2 win at Carlisle United in Group F.
Watch the full pre-match interview with Julian Darby on Wanderers TV