Professional Development Phase Lead Oliver Ras admits going out of the FA Youth Cup so late on was a tough one to take for his side, but hopes the players can take a lot from the experience.
The young Shrimps bowed out at the first round stage on Wednesday evening in a 2-1 defeat at the Mazuma Stadium, courtesy of an injury time wonder-strike from Bradford’s Freddy Jeffreys. Despite the gut-wrenching late loss, Ras was pleased with how his side applied themselves throughout the match.
“The minimum requirement we ask is that the lads work their socks off and give everything they can, leaving everything out on the pitch,” he said.
“Ultimately, to go out is frustrating. To lose it in the last minute and go out the way that we did was not a nice feeling for myself or any of the staff or players. We capitalized on a goalkeeping error in the second half to go in front and should have pushed on a little bit from there. We allowed them to get back into the game a little bit, and they went and scored an impressive strike right at the end to win it, which on any other occasion would likely not hit the back of the net, but that’s football.
“It is a real sucker punch for us, but is one that I’m sure the lads will hopefully learn from and move on.”
Despite the defeat, Ras is hoping the side can take a lot from playing in such a prestigious competition at the Mazuma Stadium in front of a crowd of over 200 supporters.
“It’s a great opportunity for them to play in front of family, friends and supports and is one I’m sure the lads will take a lot from,” he said.
“It’s great so many people turned up, and it’s something hopefully the players will look back on and remember for many years to come.”