Oldham Athletic’s youth team went into the Christmas break after a resounding 5-1 win over Huddersfield Town U18 on Saturday.
Jack Williams grabbed himself a brace with further goals from Kyle Wych, Taylor Jones and Kelfala Sheriff secured the three points for the Latics youngsters.
Interim Academy manager Pete Wild was pleased with the way his side applied themselves and stuck to the game plan against Huddersfield on Saturday.
“It was really good, we had a really young side out, so we had two second years, seven first years and two U16s starting the game with two U15s on the bench.” He said.
“We've worked hard, we knew if we gave them space to play, they'd get at us, so we've worked all week at playing high and stopping them up the pitch.
“We came in at 1-0 at half time, but we went out second half and really upped the tempo and ended up winning the game comfortably.”
The youth team had plenty of names missing from the squad with Ewan McFarlane, Max Norman and Javid Swaby-Neavin all involved with the first team at the minute.
Wild also had to deal with several players missing through injury, so it made the win more pleasing for him with a makeshift side.
“It was pleasing because that team today hasn't really played together before and they've been thrown in at the deep end.” He commented.
“We've got a lot of lads either injured or with the first team, but the lads applied themselves well against Huddersfield.”
Several injuries to the first team squad means that Frankie Bunn is relying on a few of the youth team players to fill in the matchday squad in recent weeks.
Wild also reiterated the fact that the academy staff have to make sure they keep producing players ready to step into the first team.
“We haven't got a U23’s so our lads need to be ready for first team football when they turn 18.
“It's important as youth team staff that we expose them to the level above as and when they're ready.”