HOLLAND FC boss Rob Batten hailed the impact of three of the club's young guns in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Lopes Tavares.
The Eastcliff side fielded three of their under-18s - Brandon Hunt, Sam Foley and Taylor McAndrews - in the Thurlow Nunn League contest.
And while disappointed with the final score, Batten believes the long-term future of the club looks bright.
"Even though we lost, I was proud of the boys, considering we had three of our under-18s playing," he told the Gazette.
"Brandon made his debut in midfield and was probably man-of-the-match.
"Sam made his second start and Taylor his first start.
"So looking at the bigger picture, it was a frustrating result but a positive display, full of hard work, character and no little skill.
"I thought a draw would have been a fair result but it wasn't meant to be.
"However, there were positive signs for the club's long-term future."
Steve Eaton scored Holland's goal in the second half but the result means they have only won one of their last eight league and cup matches - their 3-2 success at Wivenhoe Town.
They take a break from league action this weekend.
The coastal club are without a game in division one south, with their next match being at home to Coggeshall United on February 9.
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