Stevenage's FA Youth Cup run came to an end last Wednesday night as Bury knocked out Boro's youngsters in an evening full of drama at the Lamex Stadium...
It was a heartbreaking exit for Jorden Gibson's boys as they played over 90 minutes with 10 men and came back from a 2-0 deficit to take the game into extra time.
First Team Manager Dino Maamria was in the stands and he says that it was a performance they can all be proud of.
“As a team they were brilliant. It is a shame that it went to extra time because I do not really believe they should have extra time in U18s, I think they should go straight to penalties.
“The effort and the performance were there and they should be proud.
“I have seen their GPS distance covered this morning and there is a lot of 14 and 15 kilometres which is great to see at U18s level.
“They gave everything and left everything on the pitch and that is what I always ask for and what this club always stands for, so that is good to see."
Stevenage's Academy is currently thriving as more and more players continue to progress through the system and into the First Team.
Maamria has already shown that he isn't shy to give young players an opportunity and he says there are three players in particular that are knocking on the door.
"There was a great goal from Liam Smyth and it was brilliant to see. A brilliant, brilliant goal - that is what he does.
“I thought Arthur (Iontton) was fantastic in the middle of the park and Dylan (Switters) was very good and also scored a great goal.
“Dylan, Liam and Arthur have played for the First Team already and it is especially those three that give me food for thought.
“Like I have said from day one, we have got to make sure we progress players. There is a pathway to the first team and I love nothing more than to give some of those players a career at this football club.”
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