18-year old striker Lucas Akins played the first game of his loan spell at Blue Square Premier outfit Northwich Victoria on Saturday and helped the Trickies to their first win of the season - a 1-0 victory over Rushden.

Town's Chief Scout Brian Young was in attendance at the game and spoke to htafc.com today, explaining the hand that Lucas had in the winning goal.

"The ball came across and Lucas went in with the goalkeeper bravely; the 'keeper spilled it and his strike partner (Lee Steele) slotted the ball home," Brian explained to the official website.

"It was a great test for him, as he was up against a big experienced centre-back called Chris Hope (formerly of Gillingham and Scunthorpe United). He's got over 250 League appearances in his career and although it took him a little time to settle into the game, he did very well.

"Lucas was brave all game and he held the ball up really well. He got his body between Hope and the ball and did a lot of good work with his back to goal; bringing team-mates into the game by doing this is a real strength of his game. He played some nice balls into wide areas and he generally linked up play well.

"Given that Northwich hadn't won a game previously, it was no surprise that they came under pressure towards the end of the game and he ran balls into the channels endlessly to help out his team. He really did brilliantly for them.

"A good indicator of just how good his performance was is that he got the 'Man of the Match' award in the reputable 'Non-League Paper'. I think this loan spell will do him a bundle of good."

Northwich Victoria now travel to Stafford Rangers on Saturday, where former Chesterfield player Ernie Moss will be watching the young Academy graduate on Town's behalf. Ernie should know a bit about strikers - having made 749 appearances at League level in that position!

Check htafc.com on Monday to see how Lucas did!

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