By Ben Campbell

Youth team boss Richard Dobson has stated that he was very pleased with the way his side adapted to a change of tactics in the 1-1 draw with Southend on Saturday.

He told wwfc.com: "It took a while to come to terms with their style of play and their physical strength, but a change at half-time turned it into a more tactical game which we responded well to.

"We showed good understanding, took the initiative and fully deserved the point."

But it wasn't a good start for the U18s as they went behind in the opening minute after James Reading was beaten from 25 yards following a fine shot from a Southend midfielder.

The Shrimpers continued to pepper the Blues goal and for the first 20 minutes Dobbo's men did well to keep the score down to 1-0. However, a change in tactics enabled the Wanderers to come more into the game and by half-time looked capable of drawing level.

And within 15 minutes of the re-start George Daly had equalised for the Blues after volleying home following good work from Pietro Palladino on the right-hand side. The striker pulled away from his marker 12 yards out and after collecting the ball from Palladino, he controlled, before firing under the Southend keeper.

The goal brought confidence to Richard Dobson's men and they could have won it in the closing stages but neither Matt McClure, on two occasions, or David Pearce could quite apply the finishing touch.

Following the draw the U18s remain unbeaten for the season and Dobbo feels this point could do the players a world of good ahead of the tough game with QPR this weekend.

He said: "The Southend coach was very complimentary of us, but I also think they will also be one of the top teams come the end of the season. It was a good away point and another learning curve for the players."