MILLERS SET THEIR SIGHTS ON A DOUBLE
NORTH Leigh have become a force to be reckoned with in the U19’s National League, with their undefeated run in division D.
The Oxfordshire club offers scholars the opportunity to combine full-time education whilst playing at a high level of football in competitions including the FA Youth Cup, the National League u19 Alliance and Tactic League and Cup.
And they’ve been fully rewarded as they chase a unqiue league and cup double following this week’s 6-2 win over Sutton United at Tilsley Park.
Under coaches Christian Lawrence and Luke Cooper, the Millers are one of two undefeated teams in the National League and Lawrence pin-points the club’s positive approach to developing its academy to being behind the team’s success.
“It’s a combination of the philsophy of the club and ability of the players,” said Lawrence, who has had this position for four years.
“They have always played at a high standard and with limited changes to our playing style appears to be working very well for us.
“The squad is able to hold their ground against the tougher oppositions.
The players learn more about the 3-2 and 2-1 wins than the 7-0 or 8-0s. It’s is about constantly developing the players in order to thrive for greater success.”
Cooper, who took on his role in August whilst also coaching at Forest Green Rovers, reinforced this message of progression, insisting the club are fully focused on claiming a league and cup double.
Star man Harry Evans is the league’s top scorer, but says the team’s success is a collective one.
Teammate Robbie Gallagher scored a hattrick in the 5-3 semi-final win over Worthing which booked them a place in the final against Gateshead at Worcester’s Sixfields Stadium on May 4.
“It’s the bond we have within the team,” said Evans, in his third season with the Millers.
“I put my goals down to the players around me. It’s a real squad effort.”
That bond will be strengthened further when the Millers embark on a week-long trip to Spain in the summer in preparation for the new season.
It’s a trip that embodies the excitement that engulfs the very nature of this successful academy set-up.