Youth team boss Tony Philliskirk believes his youngsters can take their pre-season form into the new Youth Alliance league which kicks off this weekend.
Philliskirk’s side ended pre-season unbeaten after earning a late 2-2 draw with Huddersfield Town last weekend.
And with the season starting tomorrow against Mansfield Town, Philliskirk admits his side have confidence heading into the new campaign.
He said: “Pre-season results count for nothing but at the end of the day it is a real positive to come out unbeaten against the teams we have played.
“We’ve played a Portuguese team, category one side, category two side and a mens team so it shows we are in a good place.
“It also shows that the lads have got real spirit and determination not to get beaten and that’s a great building block going forward.”
Mansfield Town will provide tough opposition for his players but will be a good test.
“They are a big, strong, aggressive side and they won the league last season so credit to them,” he said.
“It is a really tough start for our boys and they beat us twice last season but we had young teams playing against them.
“This year we will go with a much stronger team but we are under no illusions that it’s a tough start and it will be a great benchmark for where we are and where we will be at the end of the season."