Mason McClelland | There are plenty of positives to take

Swansea City Under-18s' head coach Mason McClelland believed there were plenty of positives to take from the age-grade side's 1-1 draw against Millwall at Calmont Road.

In-form Callum Jones opened the scoring for the Swans in the first half, smashing home from Milo Robinson's pass inside the area.

But the Lions, who currently sit third in the PDL South division, drew level through Sacha Viera in the second period.

The draw extended the young Swans' unbeaten run to four games and, as they prepare to head into a busy period, McClelland was pleased with the way the under-16s' players who stepped up a level had risen to the challenge of facing a physical team.

"The game provided some really good challenges for the players having to deal with a lot of direct play, balls in behind the defence, balls into the box and dealing with set plays," said McClelland.

"Defensively the players - individually and as a collective - showed a real resilience, a real hunger to defend the box and an appetite to defend which they must continue to apply consistently in their games programme going forward.

"In possession the players showed signs and glimpses of some good phases in the game, especially first half where we gained some control and it allowed us to carry the ball up the pitch using clever and intelligent movements to get behind the opposition whilst staying connected. 

"Millwall made it difficult for us to play, in tough conditions, but the players remained focused on the task and stuck to the objectives very well.

"It was another great opportunity to integrate the under-16s into the squad and to help prepare them for full-time football next season. 

"Overall there were lots of positives to take from the game, and plenty of learning as individuals and a group. The group are showing signs of being very difficult to beat and playing with confidence, which is good to see. 

"We are now looking to sustain and to be more consistent in all phases of the game moving forward. With still have seven games left before the off season in May, this is still a very important time to maximise our development before the season comes to an end."