Jarred Harvey | The players showed immense character and adaptability

Swansea City Under-18s' coach Jarred Harvey was extremely pleased with the character and application of his very young side after they claimed victory at Barnsley on the opening day of the Professional Development League season.

Under-16s' striker Harvey Gray got the only goal of the contest, continuing his impressive form during pre-season before the Swans played out the majority of the second half with 10 men after Kiel Higginson was dismissed for a second booking.

Gray and Alex Godfrey made their first competitive starts for the upper-age group, whilst youth-phase players such as Bobo Evans, Kai Rhodes, Carter Heywood and Alfie Jones also played a part in proceedings.

And Harvey was most impressed with how the youthful Swans composed themselves to hold on to the win.

"The players' application was immense, particularly when taking into account the make up of the team being largely first-year scholars and under-16s, and us seeing under-15s' midfielder Alex Godfrey make his first start," said Harvey.

"It’s always pleasing to get off to a good start, especially away at a tough place like Barnsley, after what’s been a very good pre-season, which has seen a number of first and second-year scholars making the step into the under-21s, which in turn has paved the way for the under-16s to step up into our squad. 

"Their application today was first class. I thought the way in which Alex Godfrey handled stepping up two age-groups was a real positive.

"However, this was a collective effort, staff included. Everyone showed immense character and adaptability, and that’s what’s pleased me most.

"Playing with 10 men as such a young group for 45 minutes including a lot of stoppage time is no easy task. But the lads stood up to the challenge and come out with a result."