LITTLE Oakley joint-boss Paul Sadler has sung the praises of the club’s youth set-up after two rising stars shone on their senior debuts.

Seventeen-year-old Brandon Rusby was handed a start in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Holland FC, in the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

And Tyler Sullivan, also a midfielder, caught the eye when coming on as a second-half substitute in the premier division contest at Dulwich Road.

Sadler believes their progress bodes well for the future, with others moving through from the development team into the reserves and now knocking on the first-team door.

“Two of our development team were able to play on Wednesday,” said Sadler, who runs the first team with Sean Tynan.

“It was a great opportunity for them and a big achievement.

“In addition to their talent on the pitch, both want to do well and want to learn. They’ve got good attitudes.

“Brandon really stepped up to the plate.

“He made a very big impression on both the management and senior players and we kept him on for 80 minutes.

“What I liked was his energy, work-rate and enthusiasm and the fact he’s so cool and confident on the ball.

“He looked comfortable in possession and didn’t ever panic, always making time to look up and pick his pass.

“Apparently, throughout his time in youth football he’s had the nickname Pele.

“That’s quite a compliment and gives a little insight into the type of player he is.”

Rusby eventually made way for young team-mate Sullivan, who also impressed in his time on the pitch.

“Tyler also got 10 minutes at the end and got stuck in straight away,” added Sadler. “He didn’t let the opposition faze him and it’s really good to see our young development players coming through.

“It’s very encouraging because the club have such a strong youth set-up.

“It’s a big part of what we do and what we’re all about and being able to integrate a couple the other night will really help them.

“One or two others have stepped up into the reserves and it’s undoubtedly going to help us going forward, as we drip-feed them into the senior set-up.

“I’m sure both will see more action between now and the end of the season. Without a shadow of a doubt.”

Oakley are seventh in the premier division but have at least one game in hand – and in some cases four or five – on all the sides above them in the table.

They won 2-0 at home to Barnston AFC on Saturday, thanks to goals from Sam Eldridge and Trevor Lewis.

Shaun Kioussis then popped up with their goal at Holland.

“To go there and get a point was a decent result,” said Sadler.

“Obviously, we want to win every game but whenever you play the top teams it’s always pleasing to come away with something.

“It was a hard-working performance and our preparation was far from ideal.

“Unfortunately our dressing room was flooded so we had to get changed in the bar area and only had ten minutes or so to warm up, before kick-off.

“In addition, Lewis Wood got stuck in traffic and was late arriving, so taking everything into account it was a very useful point.”

Meanwhile, Oakley’s second team suffered disappointment in the Reserve Knock Out Cup on Tuesday night.

Playing in the final at the Colchester Garrison ground, they were defeated 3-2 after extra-time by West Bergholt Reserves.

The full-time score had been 1-1.

Tomorrow promises to be a busy day for the club.

The reserves kick-off first at 12.30pm, against Bradfield Rovers.

Then, at 3.30pm, the first team entertain Earls Colne.

The club’s A team travel to Colchester Athletic for a 3pm kick-off.

Oakley’s first team are back in action on Tuesday night, at home to University of Essex (6.30pm).