Second year scholar Aaron Bennett said it felt “great to be back” as North End beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0 in the Youth Alliance League.
Josh Seary scored the only goal of the game to give North End all three points and Bennett played a full 45 minutes as he returned from ten months out through injury.
“It was great to be back,” said Bennett. “To be back around the squad and be involved in the game was just such a great feeling.”
The forward described dealing with his injury for the first few months as horrible but he is delighted to be back with the lads.
“Being back and playing/training with the lads again is great instead of being stuck in the gym.
“The injury I had was horrible, especially in those first few months, I felt like I was just going round in circles.
“As you start to progress and things get better you just start to feel better about yourself.”
Bennett had a few chances to grab a goal on his return, but he was happy to get through the half unscathed and he felt he grew in confidence as it went on.
“I felt I wasn’t at the speed of the game to begin with but as the game went on I just felt more comfortable and more confident.”
North End made it seven wins in a row in the League after this win and they are flying high at the top of the table.
“I thought the team played really well today. The lads did very well to battle a very big and physical side and we got a good win.
“We’re in a really good position in the league and we're winning games on the bounce, if we just keep performing we will win lots more games as well.
“For me I just want to contribute to the team as much as possible and get as many goals as I can before the end of the season.”
The U19s are back in action next Saturday as they travel away to Port Vale in the Youth Alliance League.