THE Abergavenny Thursdays long term policy of developing and coaching local youngsters is finally paying off for the senior section of the club.

Their philosophy of development poignantly proved itself with the recent 5-1 demolition of New Inn by a team boasting six players under the age of 19, five of whom were in last year's U16 team.

Joe Palmer, Jake Heckles, Huw Williams, Mitch Heffernan and Luke Powell all showed remarkable strength and maturity in the game, with Heckles scoring two, and Palmer and Powell netting one apiece.

All five were again included in the squad for the Cup game last Saturday against Trevethin. Although the starting team comprised mostly experienced players, designed to combat the physical approach for which Trevethin are renowned, Palmer, Heckles and Heffernan all played their part in the 6-2 thrashing of the tough Torfaen bruisers who had two players sent off for foul play.

Heckles came on as a substitute and scored another two to add to the two he bagged against New Inn.

Thursdays manager Phil Hemmings told the Chronicle, "This is the first crop of players to mature from the junior section we started several years ago.

"In addition to the five in the first team squad, the club's development programme has also produced Joe Richardson, who signed for Newport County, and Reece Williams, who signed for Swansea City.

"Ellis Jones, who is also from that same age group, has decided to try his luck with Govilon."

Hemmings added, "The club now has a steady supply of players ranging from the U7s through to U16, and in each group there are outstanding players who are developing year on year."

Excellent wins against New Inn, Trevethin and Sebastapol have given the Thursdays a sound start to a season which promises big things.

Talented midfielders Jamie Laurent and Liam Powell have already stamped their own unique style on proceedings, and when you consider the individual and effective flair of pacy wingers Del Ewers and Lewis Welch, and the solid defence of Will Morris, Ross Povey and Joe Pengelly, the Thursdays look set to continue producing the sort of of football which will earn them some long awaited promotion.

The Thursdays campaign continues this week with a league fixture against Trevethin, who will no doubt be looking to exact some measure of revenge for their cup upset.