Peter Murphy | “I thought they went about the game in the right way and put in a good performance!”

Latics U23 coach reflects on their 3-0 victory at Hyde United on Wednesday evening

• Peter Murphy | “I thought they went about the game in the right way and put in a good performance!”
• Latics U23 coach reflects on his side’s 3-0 victory at Hyde United on Wednesday evening 
• Murphy: “I told the lads that while it’s pre-season, this will be one of their toughest games of the season and one that they will learn from the most.”

Wigan Athletic U23s coach Peter Murphy praised his side’s attitude and application after they kickstarted their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 victory at Hyde United on Wednesday evening.

It was a pleasing night’s work for the U23s, as goals from Josh Stones and two trialists helped Latics record an impressive win at the Project Solar Stadium.

Speaking to Latics TV, Murphy expressed his delight after his side got their pre-season campaign off to an encouraging start. 

“They were very good from start to finish,” he said. 

“I said to the lads before the game that they have to come here and respect the opposition. Hyde United are playing a level in the league, and some of our lads haven’t been out of Academy football yet.

"I thought they went about the game in the right way and put in a good performance!”

While Latics enjoyed an extremely successful night in front of goal, Murphy was quick to equally recognise his side’s defensive resilience at the other end to keep their clean sheet in tact.

“We came away and scored three goals, but I was more impressed with the last 10 minutes,” he explained.

“We made changes and Hyde put lots of long balls into the box against us, but our lads defended well and really wanted that clean sheet. 

“It is pre-season but we don’t go into any game not wanting to come out with a result. We’ve got to prepare these lads for first team football and it showed what it meant to the lads when they threw their bodies on the line at the end just to get the clean sheet.”

Latics were provided with a really stern challenge at the Project Solar Stadium, facing a Northern Premier League side which was full of senior experience. Murphy believes that the fixture will do his side a world of good ahead of the upcoming 2022/23 Professional Development League campaign.

“They were playing against lads who are physically stronger and played league football before.

“Hyde have got some experienced players and a really good side. I told the lads that while it’s pre-season, this will be one of their toughest games of the season and one that they will learn from the most.”