Reiss sounds salute to City youngsters after Watford triumph | OneFootball

City Under-18s Lead Coach Oliver Reiss spoke of his pride and happiness for his players in the wake of Thursday’s 1-0 FA Youth Cup semi-final triumph away at Watford.

Matty Warhurst’s fourth minute strike proved enough to send the City youngsters through to a second successive FA Youth Cup final and keep us on track to retain the trophy we won last May.

City’s reward for victory is a showpiece final against Aston Villa at Villa Park next month with the date yet to be confirmed.

And for Reiss, as he reflected on what was a deserved win for City, it’s an achievement to savour and look forward to.

“There are a lot of thoughts, a lot of feelings. The main feelings of course are I'm just happy," the Lead Coach admitted.

“It was a crazy game, I think. We had moments of control. Then we had moments of what's going on now and they had chances. We had a lot of chances, so there were so many things in one game. It was enough for three games, I think.

“All in all, I'm proud of the lads again and I'm so happy to be in the final. And for them to be in the final.

“So [now it’s about] just celebrate and enjoy the feeling now to be in the final.

“It is incredible to play in stadiums like this in front of a big crowd and I think also for the players.

“So now the final and again the next special stadium at Villa Park in front of a special crowd again.

“This is what we just have to enjoy. And, of course, I'm excited to be there.”

It is shaping up to potentially be a memorable season finale for the City youngsters who are also top of the Under-18 Premier League North standings with four league games left to play.

And for Reiss, the manner of the win at Watford only served to further cement his admiration for his players’ capacity to keep delivering in key matches.

“This is incredible for me - that they are able to bring energy and bring the quality game after game,” Reiss added.

“And again, they are able to then defend at the end or to have some moments which are at the moment enough to win.

“Of course, we have to improve again and for the next games there a lot of things to do and a lot of details to talk about.

“But again, winning games like this is then incredible for me to see that the players are able to do this without having the full control over 90 minutes.

“[Coming through tough game after tough game] - I think I think this is this is the most impressive thing for me.”