Ben Wilkinson praised the endurance and composure of City’s Elite Development Squad after Friday’s tense 2-1 PL2 Round of 16 play-off win over Liverpool.

A dramatic night at the Joie Stadium went to extra-time after the sides had been deadlocked at 1-1 over 90 minutes.

But the City youngsters deservedly marched through into the quarter-finals after Divin Mubama’s 107th minute winner, the striker having earlier headed City into a 19th minute lead before Tommy Pilling levelled affairs midway through the second half.

For lead coach Wilkinson it was a tense and hard-fought encounter that illustrated the unique demands placed on the players by the play-off system.

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“These games are tough, and I guess that why they have changed the format,” Wilkinson said.

“You get more jeopardy, there is a lot on it - Liverpool are a good team and that what this level should be like.

“It was a good game, and I thought they had the better of the opening stages when we are a bit lethargic.

“After about 20/30 minutes we grew into the game, and I thought from then we really grew into the match, and I thought we were good.

“From my point of view, the longer the game goes on I do feel confident in us if the match goes to extra-time.

“I’m not worried as over the years we have proved we can win games in extra-time.

“I thought in the end we just deserved it.

“A really tough night and we are delighted with the outcome and now it’s get ready for next week now.”

Play the video to watch Ben’s interview in full…