Second-year scholar Jonathan Lunney admitted North End U18s had to grit their teeth to claim their six victory of the season against Tranmere Rovers this weekend.
North End recorded their six straight victory thanks to Lunney who scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes from time.
It was always going to take something special, with both teams evenly matched for most of the 90 minutes, and it was the Irishman’s antics 10 minutes from time that settled the spoils in North End’s favour.
However, Lunney believed it was the performance at the other end of the field that was just as vital in victory.
“It was an excellent defensive performance,” said the North End youth team player.
“I think we’ve been pretty solid at the back all season, especially in the last six games where we’ve conceded only one goal.
“We’re working hard in training and that’s why we’re keeping clean sheets - I thought we worked very well together.
“It wasn’t the best performance, but the team worked hard and we put in a good shift.”
On his goal, he described: “I didn’t really think about what I was going to do, I just took it on my chest and just volleyed it straight away, and thankfully it went in – I’m very happy with it, as you can imagine right now!”
The record that Lunney is alluding to comes at a time when the draw was announced for the third round of the FA Youth Cup, where North End await the winners of Carlisle vs Doncaster on Tuesday.
And Lunney, who turns 18 next February believes the winning momentum is important going into an important few weeks for the U18s.
He added: “Tranmere are a very good side which shows we can beat anyone in this division.
“Everyone is buzzing, and we’re really keen to continue with this run, especially with the draw being made in the Cup last week, so we’re going to try and build some momentum going into that.
“We have the players and the ability to beat anybody so hopefully we’ll just keep on winning and go as high as we can.”
It was always going to take something special, with both teams evenly matched for most of the 90 minutes, and it was the Irishman’s antics 10 minutes from time that settled the spoils in North End’s favour.
However, Lunney believed it was the performance at the other end of the field that was just as vital in victory.
“It was an excellent defensive performance,” said the North End youth team player.
“I think we’ve been pretty solid at the back all season, especially in the last six games where we’ve conceded only one goal.
“We’re working hard in training and that’s why we’re keeping clean sheets - I thought we worked very well together.
“It wasn’t the best performance, but the team worked hard and we put in a good shift.”
On his goal, he described: “I didn’t really think about what I was going to do, I just took it on my chest and just volleyed it straight away, and thankfully it went in – I’m very happy with it, as you can imagine right now!”
The record that Lunney is alluding to comes at a time when the draw was announced for the third round of the FA Youth Cup, where North End await the winners of Carlisle vs Doncaster on Tuesday.
And Lunney, who turns 18 next February believes the winning momentum is important going into an important few weeks for the U18s.
He added: “Tranmere are a very good side which shows we can beat anyone in this division.
“Everyone is buzzing, and we’re really keen to continue with this run, especially with the draw being made in the Cup last week, so we’re going to try and build some momentum going into that.
“We have the players and the ability to beat anybody so hopefully we’ll just keep on winning and go as high as we can.”