Interviews

Hinchy: New found grit key to EFL Trophy run

Our under-21s will take on Wycombe in the quarter-finals of the Bristol Street Motors on Wednesday.

31 January 2024

By Paul Hazlewood
Jack Hinchy joined Albion from Stockport County in 2021.

Albion under-21s captain Jack Hinchy believes his team have found a new level of determination that has helped them succeed in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy so far this season.

The under-21s are in quarter-final action in the competition on Wednesday night as they face Wycombe Wanderers, kick-off 7pm.

This is the furthest Albion under-21s have ever been in the competition, which Hinchy is naturally delighted about.

10:16

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EFL Trophy Highlights: Brighton 0 Reading 0 (3-2 on pens)

“We have struggled in the competition in recent years, but we’ve had a bit more grit about us in the Trophy games,” he explained. “The stereotype of an under-21s team is that they’re soft and they concede late and sloppy goals. But we’ve really cut that out in this competition hence the four cleansheets we have had.

“There’s been a few nil-nils and people might say that we’ve sacrificed a bit in the attacking phase to improve defensively, but we’ve done really well in those games.

“There were tough periods in the Reading game and the Forest Green game, but it shows how together we are that we’re getting through them.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Jack Hinchy will look to guide the under-21s into their first ever semi-final in the EFL Trophy.

Both teams go into the fixture knowing they are just two victories away from a trip to Wembley.

“It's a huge one,” Jack continued. “Everyone is always up for these sorts of games, but what makes it even more special is that you’re only two games away from Wembley.

“We’ve got to take it a game at a time, but that can give us extra motivation for a few of us, especially the English boys who have always dreamed of playing at Wembley.”