City twice had to overcome adversity at a rain-lashed CFA, first when Juan Larios was sent off 10 minutes into the second half and then again after United drawn level.
On both occasions the youngsters showed they possess character and resilience in abundance to go with their natural ability by scoring - firstly through Tai Sodje’s penalty and then via Carlos Borges’ match-winner.
And as he reflected on the victory, Vicens said he was proud of the way his players had proved they were a team in every sense of the word.
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“I am very proud of the effort that the lads put in,” said the City head coach.
“In previous games we had always spoken about difficulties and we said the only way to survive difficult periods where you suffer is to be a team.
“On Saturday they showed that they were a team – they worked for each other.
“Yes, we could have conceded (late on) but the effort they put in on the pitch was unbelievable.
“The way we responded says a lot about their personalities and their character and commitment to the team.
“It’s not a group of individuals – it’s a team and you can see that after just four games which is really important.
“We have a lot of talent and we will develop players and focus on how they can contribute to the Club but, ultimately, if you are to succeed as a team you need to be a team.”
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For Vicens it was almost two separate derbies with City having enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and territory prior to Larios’s dismissal.
And though there was a nervy finale, with United peppering crosses into the City box as they sought an equaliser, we deservedly secured the three points to make it 10 points from our first four games of the season to sit equal first in the table.
“It was two different games. The one we had before ten men and then the one afterwards,” Vicens added.
“I was quite happy with the first half given what we had been speaking about and I thought we had made a step forward.
“We tweaked some things at half-time and I was really excited about seeing them in the second half.
“But then we got Juan sent off and we had to adapt, and we suffered as it was a tough second half.
“We knew it would be difficult, but I think they responded really well.”
