Jason McCarthy delighted as Albion U21s make winning start against Millwall

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A goal in each half sealed a 2-0 win over Millwall on Friday.

2026-08-15T11:40+01:00

Coach Jason McCarthy was delighted with a clean sheet in Albion's opener against Millwall. 📷James Boardman

Jason McCarthy, the under-21s professional development phase coach, was pleased with the 2-0 victory over Millwall in the team’s first competitive game of the season.

Former Cambridge United striker George Munday put Albion ahead early on and the defence held firm as Millwall attempted to get back into the game. Younes Ibrahim made the three points safe with a looping header after 82 minutes.

“I think we have to recognise where we're at in terms of it being the first game of the season,” McCarthy said.

“It's been a really good pre-season for us. Everyone's got good minutes. We've come through fairly unscathed. I'm happy with where the boys are at in terms of psychologically, physically, tactically and technically.

“But, of course, early on in the season you're still building connections and you're still building a new group. It's going to look clunky at moments, but the pleasing thing is that it's the first game and we've got a clean sheet. We've got a winning start, which is the most important thing.”

Seven members of the squad had only signed their first professional contracts last month, including fullbacks Liam Crutchett and Theo Outen, both of whom impressed.

“There were a lot of players in the starting line-up on Friday that are very new to the group,” McCarthy said. “They're getting up to the speed of it.

“But I like to think there's a lot of alignment running through the age groups in the academy. It's not a case of game understanding. It's just a case of the pace of the game and those things.”

George Munday celebrates after scoring Albion's first goal against Millwall. 📷James Boardman

Apart from his goal, Munday pressed well and seldom allowed the Millwall central defenders to relax in what was, at times, a physical game.

“He's a good member of the group because George has got some different experiences in that he's already experienced first-team football,” McCarthy said of Munday, 19, who scored ten goals for Hereford in Conference North last season while on loan from Cambridge.

“So he provides a good education for the players in terms of what they can expect from senior teams or stepping from this level to the next level. That's invaluable to have within the group.

“But I was really pleased with George's performance. I thought he was a handful all night and took his goal really well.”