Darren Patterson says the surprise promotion of 18-year-old James Clarke shows he is keeping to his word about giving the kids a chance.

Clarke came in at right back and had an excellent debut as the U's won 2-0 at Kidderminster.

And Patterson said: "We were disappointed that Paddy Collins came out of training on the Friday, but I had no qualms about playing James. I've known about the boy a long time.

"He's played a lot at centre half, but we feel right back is going to be his position. He's as strong as an ox and he's quick. He's an excellent one v one defender and he's got good composure on the ball - and I think he made our first goal."

Clarke was not intimidated by the atmosphere nor the fact that several players came flying in hard, clearly hoping to unsettle him. It didn't.

"Kidderminster are a good side and the crowd are right on top of you, but not much fazes him," Patterson said.

"He got our Young Player of the Year award last year as a first year, and when we had such a successful season, that's no mean feat.

"I'm just thrilled for the lad because he's just turned 18 and he's an honest boy. He wants to work and he wants to learn, so it's a good start for him. As I've said, if the kids are good enough, I will put them in."

Clarke - whose name was misspelled as CLARK on his shirt (an error kit man Paul Sullivan held his hand up to because he forgot his kit and then had to get his name printed on a shirt at Kidderminster) - said his older teammates helped him through his first senior game.

"They were great to me and helped me with their experience - Barry (Quinn) and Billy (Turley), they bring you along nicely," he explained. "It's quality to be here and it was a good win.

"I was quite nervous before, but as it went on I was more settled into myself and just went for it and had a go!"

Although he has had to play a lot of young players because of the team's long injury list, Patterson is quite happy to give them a go - if they can stand up to the physical side of the game, as Clarke did.

And at half-time at Aggborough, with the team winning by a single goal, he reminded the players of what was needed in the second 45 minutes.

"We spoke about being men and that the side that were the most disciplined in the second half, and that passed the ball the best, were going to win the game," Patto said.

"We withstood and we defended manly and I've got to say in the last three games we've seen the passion and pride that we've talked about, and we've got to build on that.

"Kidderminster are a physical side, so that was no mean feat to go there and win.

"We're saying about men, but Ashley Barnes is 18, Matt Green's 20 and Clarkey's 18. We've got a young side and we need them to become men quickly."