Adrian Blake expressed his delight at earning his first full 90-minutes in the Under-23 squad, after featuring in a 2-2 draw against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday afternoon (March 15).

It was a prolific opening to the encounter as both sides scored two goals early on, with Tiago Cukur and Jimiel Chikukwa etching their names onto the scoresheet for the Hornets.

Despite a goalless second half Blake came closest to breaking the deadlock, hitting the side-netting from close range after an impressive run from deep.

The 16-year-old was happy with his contribution and is looking forward to more games in the Under-23 squad.

“It was a tough game today at 2-2,” said Blake. “It was a hectic start and back and forth during the first half, but I thought the boys did well and we fought until the end.

“I wasn’t expecting [the frantic opening]. We went a goal down, but Tiago [Cukur] scored to make it 1-1, we brought it back and the boys did really well. I thought I was going to score at the end, but overall it was great.”

The forward has regularly featured and contributed to both Omer Riza’s Under-23s and Tom Hart’s Under-18s this season.

Blake has enjoyed the challenge that he has been presented with and is looking forward to using this momentum to further his development.

“The Under-18s to the Under-23s is a big transition,” he explained. “[Omer] Riza told me to express myself today. I’ve come from the Under-18s, and it’s been a good transition.

“Riza told me to play my normal game, don’t think about anything and play how I usually play.

“I think I’ve done well, and I have adapted. Obviously, the Under-18s are doing really well now, but I’m enjoying my time with the Under-23s.

“Even just Omer giving me the chance to join the Under-23 squad and showcase my ability, I have to thank them a lot.”

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