Farid Alfa-Ruprecht fired the Elite Development Squad ahead with a neat finish after mesmerising build-up play. A late own goal at the end of the first half, which followed a Jack Griffiths equaliser, meant we regained our lead.
But a second half free-kick from Josh Bickerton meant the spoils were shared with the winless Stoke City side in what was a frustrating affair for Wilkinson’s time.
But it was a performance the Lead Coach is confident will remind his players that hard work and determination is required in every game we play.
“Any game of football you have to earn the right to win it,” began Wilkinson.
“I thought we had some bits of real good play and good moments but across the board as a 90-minute performance. I thought we weren’t at the level we’ve shown over the season and these last few months.
“I just said to the players that for the potential level of the team and the Club we play for that we’re better than what we’ve shown this week.
“There’s plenty of reasons as to why that may be but ultimately when you cross that white line there is no excuses.
“So disappointed really in terms of the performances but we have to get back to work Monday and try and iron out those things that haven’t been so good.”
Watch Wilkinson’s post-match interview in full via the video above…
