A single goal from substitute Dave Heagney proved to be enough to give the Huddersfield Town Under-18 side a victory in the first game of their FA Premier Academy League season on Saturday.
Republic of Ireland under-17 international striker Heagney (pictured) stepped off the bench to nod home a James Spencer cross and give Graham Mitchell's side a win at their first attempt over a strong Reading line-up.
The young Terriers started the game in an adventurous 4-3-3 formation and got their just rewards for an impressive performance with an 80th minute winner; good work from the left-sided duo of Liam Ridehalgh and Spencer led to the latter cutting inside and crossing onto Heagney's head.
Under-18 manager Mitchell told htafc.com that he was thrilled with the opening day win.
"I was pleased with the win, but in all honesty I was more pleased with the performance of the lads," Mitchell explained.
"It was a really good game between two good sides and our performance eclipsed any of our pre-season games.
"We were really solid at the back and played some really good, passing football going forward. Reading are a good, strong side but we fully deserved our victory."
The Under-18s play at Watford on Saturday morning; keep checking htafc.com for the latest Academy news!
Town Under-18s vs. Reading:
Damian Eastham, Jack Hunt, Spencer Harris (c), Leigh Franks, Liam Ridehalgh, Luke Williams, Chris Atkinson, Lewis Nightingale, Luke Durham, James Spencer, Danny Barlow (Dave Heagney 70)
Unused Substitutes: Dave Pickering, Stephen Brook, Lewis Collinson, Chris Pert.
