Youth team forward Robbie Willmott came off the bench on Saturday to set up United's winning goal against Northwich, and could even have scored himself in stoppage time.

Making just his fifth substitute appearance for the first team, Robbie's pace and control caused problems for the tiring visitors but the 17-year-old admitted that the visitors had belied their league position with their battling performance.

"Northwich played a lot better than the table suggests, but we dealt with that with the hard work that the gaffer instils in the team," he said, "It wasn't the result the fans thought we'd get, but it was still three points and that's what's important.

"I was really pleased to get on the pitch and particularly to set Scott Rendell up for the winner. He took it with a good finish at the right time because they were still well in the game at that point."

Describing his own late chance to score, when he raced through against the goalkeeper but lifted the ball over the bar under pressure from a covering defender, he commented, "With the chance at the end, I was disappointed for myself and the fans not finish it.

"As it came off my chest I looked to volley it but the keeper was backpedalling so I took it through. As I did that, the challenge came in and I could have gone down for a penalty but that's not in my nature to do that when there's a chance of a goal. I had the ball at my feet and went to fake the keeper, but the ball bobbled and you know the rest.

"I won't get downhearted though; I'm still up for any time the gaffer wants to throw me on. After all, I set up the winner. Confidence is a major part of my game and I'm playing with no fears at the moment and I want to be out there in the first team."

Robbie also acknowledged the help he is receiving from the older players at the club, saying, "Working with the likes of Leo helps my game. He and the rest of the older lads give me pointers to improve my game, and the experience of being part of the first team helps me mature as a player and that's good not only for me but the team as well."

Interview by David Gray

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