UNDER-18s WITH RECORD-SETTING TALLY
Lawrence’s U18s came from behind and then coped with a one-man disadvantage due to injury while defeating Sunderland 3-1 at home to round off a positive season.
“It was one of those games that had everything in it,” Lawrence reviewed.
“Sunderland started brighter and deservedly went ahead but as the half went on, we got to grips with it and got the control.
“We’ve played 20 minutes with 10 men there. It’s really hot, against a good side, so it’s not easy. And we’ve scored in that situation as well, Vic kept his composure and finished, so it had a bit of everything in there, really good learning for the players in the last league games of the season.”
Unlike the vast majority of games this season, which have had something directly riding on them, this fixture would not determine United’s position in the league. Lawrence was pleased with the commitment of his players in such a scenario.
“That stuff [desire] is ingrained in them in terms of their behaviours,” he said.
“It shouldn’t be like a tap you can turn on and off, if you’ve got that winning mentality, you should be like that regardless. But for the lads to perform like this today — and against Stoke last week in the same situation — says a lot about their character.
“We’re not here to build teams, we’re more excited about the individuals and the development that they show and we feel we’re in a good place.”
