Mark Jackson’s Under-23s side made it five wins in a row, with a 1-0 success against Stoke City at Thorp Arch on Monday afternoon.

Diego Llorente continued his return from injury by scoring a first half header, which proved to be the winner in a tight contest. 

Jackson gave his thoughts to LUTV, after the match.

He said: “Stoke put us under some high pressure in the second half. We had to defend well from corners, free-kick’s and long balls into the box. 

“I thought the lads did it superbly well and I am really pleased for them to get the clean sheet as a team. 

"Obviously that came with a victory as well, so it’s a really pleasing and hard-fought three points, it was a good victory.”

The match saw important minutes for a number of first team players and Jackson was quick to praise their attitude in the game.  

“It’s always good to have them,” he explained.  

“I feel like I often say the same thing, but they show a fantastic attitude and application to work with the younger boys and you can’t ask any more.

“It’s really pleasing for us that the younger players can experience playing with the older players.”

After back-to-back victories to begin 2021, following an impressive end to 2020, the Under-23s side remain top of the table in Premier League 2.  

“Every game we want to perform to a level,” Jackson stated. 

“If you get good individual performances and collective performances, you are likely to get victories.

“We’re in a good position, but that’s not the be-all and end-all for us, I always say that because it’s about getting the players ready and preparing them. 

“But, it is nice to be at the top and that the players have something to work for. 

“The group are focused on getting better and they want to keep getting victories.”