A goal each for strikers James Spencer and David Heagney (pictured) proved enough to see off Middlesbrough's under-18 side at Storthes Hall on Saturday morning.

Graham Mitchell's side turned in an excellent performance throughout the game and were well worth the three points, secured by a goal in each half - Spencer's being his first at under-18 level.

Town's Academy side switched formation for this game, lining up 3-5-2. England under-17 goalkeeper Alex Smithies was able to play his first game for the under-18s since September 22^nd after featuring on the bench for the first-team during their defeat at Tranmere Rovers on the previous evening.

In front of Alex, Spencer Harris, Leigh Franks and Daniel Codman formed the defensive trio with a midfield five of, from left to right; Tom Jackson, Lewis Collinson, Lewis Nightingale, Luke Williams and David Pickering. Striker Daniel Broadbent was missing from the side after making his first-team debut on the previous evening and so Ireland under-17 cap Dave Heagney was partnered by under-16 striker James Spencer up front.

The first goal came after half an hour, with Jimmy Spencer netting his first under-18 goal for Town. Midfielder Curtis Roberts did all of the legwork - chasing down the Boro' custodian and robbing him of the ball before sliding in his young counterpart, who cleverly placed the ball out of the reach of the recovering goalie and a solitary defender to put Town ahead.

Dave Heagney then extended Town's lead after 57 minutes, expertly heading an excellent Dave Pickering right-wing cross into the bottom corner from 8 yards out.

All in all, Town were untroubled by their visitors throughout the game with Smithies only having to pull off one save of any note in the whole of the 90 minutes. Understandably, former Town centre-back Mitchell was very happy with the display from his side.

"The whole of the side did very well - it's the best we have played for a while", the 39-year old told htafc.com.

"We kept possession really well and Boro caused us no real problems throughout the game. It was a real team performance and I was especially pleased with the ease at which the team adapted to the new formation."

The Academy came out of the game with a clean bill of health and face Nottingham Forest at Storthes Hall in their next fixture on Saturday morning, kick-off 12pm.

Town's Team:

Alex Smithies, Dave Pickering (Jack Hunt 57), Tom Jackson, Luke Williams, Daniel Codman, Spencer Harris, Leigh Franks, Lewis Nightingale, Dave Heagney, James Spencer (Danny Barlow 60), Curtis Roberts

Unused Subs: Chris Pert, Lewis Collinson, Liam Ridehalgh

For a full list of Academy fixtures and results, click HERE

For a full list of Academy appearances and scorers, click HERE