DIRECTOR of football Andy Preece hailed the contribution of the club's academy to Tuesday night's 2-0 Word Cup victory over Penrhyncoch.
"Under the circumstances, last night's result was tremendous for the club as a whole and where we are looking to progress eventually," Preece said.
"To have five academy players start and we end the game with seven academy players of the 10 on the pitch is testament to everyone associated with the academy.
"We had two goals given to us when we came to the club, to qualify for Europe and to develop more players from the academy.
"When we arrived four years ago there were no players coming through the academy, now we have academy lads in the first team at a club challenging in the top siX and I think we are unique in that respect.
"These lads are playing in the league not just cup games. Lee Starkey and Dave Riley have done a great job recruiting alongside good coaching by the coaches in the academy.
"Players are leaving other well thought-of academics and wanting to play for us.
"The sale of Aaron Hassell and the emergence of James Murphy are good examples of this as opportunities of playing in our first team are realistic if you are good enough.
It's a pity James Murphy's goal last night wasn't on TV, it was an absolute screamer!"
Photo: Young keeper Keighan Jones makes a stunning save during the victory over Penrhyncoch.
