Joe Flurry has hailed Newport County Under-18s after they secured a place in the FAW Youth Cup semi-finals with a dominant 6-0 victory over defending champions Briton Ferry Llansawel.
Five second-half goals, including a stunning hat-trick from Moses Alexander-Walker, saw the young Exiles cruise into the last four after a first-half opener from Jaden Bahumaid.
And Flurry insists his players should be very proud of their achievement.
“I am really pleased,” Flurry began. “We knew coming here that it was going to be a tough game, they're the holders.
“We knew it was going to be physical and that they were going to look to play long and off the second balls.
"But in our preparation, we believed that if we stayed together and got through those difficult moments and defended well as a collective, our quality and fitness would come through — and I think it did.”
Despite the pressure from the hosts, County’s defensive resilience was the foundation for what turned out to be a commanding performance.
The young Exiles showed their mettle in the first half, holding their lead and weathering the storm before taking full control in the second period.
“I’m really proud of the lads,” Flurry said, reflecting on his team’s tactical approach.
“We spoke at half-time about how if we got through the first fifteen minutes of the second half and weathered the storm, our quality and speed in transition would be where we’d get our joy. The players executed that perfectly.
“Although we scored six, which is sensational, in the dressing room we gave a big nod to the defenders and the goalkeeper who kept a very good clean sheet.
"It’s a real collective effort from the players, coaching staff, sports science, and everyone else involved. We are in a really good place, and I am so proud of everyone.”
With the victory secured, the Under-18s now look ahead to a semi-final tie that will see them face another tough opponent.
Flurry, however, remains focused and determined as ever, emphasising the need for his side to reset and prepare for what lies ahead.
“Obviously, you start to think about the next round, but whoever we get will be a good side,” he stated. “So, we’ll reset and prepare well.
"The job is not finished, but we’re in a good position, and I know the boys will be ready for whatever comes next.”