Swindon Town U18s boss David Farrell has high hopes for Harry Parsons

Parsons netted twice last weekend as the Town youngsters comfortably beat their struggling Luton Town counterparts 4-0 at Stanley Park to move up to second in the league table with seven points recorded from three matches.

Having only just moved up to the U18s team from U16s level, Farrell said the striker is on the right track to success – but also underlined remaining humble on the training ground is key.

He said: “He (Parsons) is raw – and he’s a pest. Like a wasp at a barbecue.

“I’m really pleased with him, performances like his on Saturday (against Luton) makes my drive home a lot better.

“But Stevenage will be a very tough test for our players.

“They’re strong and like to play a bit too. But I’ve told the team that they need to ride this wave while staying humble from Monday to Friday.”

Physical Stevenage are yet to reach the heights expected of them in 2019.

After finishing fourth in the Youth Alliance South East division in the first half of the season, results in the Merit League haven’t panned out the way the club would’ve expected.

Two draws and a loss have dropped the club to eighth in the league table, but Farrell will read little into those stats.

He added: “It’s a very positive start to the campaign, but like I’ve said before I don’t look at the table too much.

“Once in a blue moon I will look at it. I focus more on the process that leads to progression.

“I know they will all look at the table, they’re kids so they’re going to take an interest.”

Farrell benefitted from the touchline input of Academy manager Alan McLoughlin last weekend.

And the former Republic of Ireland international’s help is certainly appreciated by the former Peterborough United man, who stated that two pairs of eyes are always better than one.

He added: “You don’t always see everything, we’ve got two experienced coaches on the touchline now.

“I enjoy working with Alan.”