"City gave us real problems, we knew we would be in for a battle and they came on very strong from the start," said the defender.
"They made lots of chances and somehow we managed not to concede too many. At half-time we were told to keep the ball because then they couldn't cause us any problems.
"We were told to stand up and be counted, to fight for everything and see it through. And we just managed it.
"The aim is to take it on from here, to get into the first team and that is what we are all desperate to do.
"It's a long way from when I was at Lincoln. But my dad was in the crowd with a banner saying 'We are Imps', so I don't get to forget my roots.
"A year ago it would have been hard to believe that I would be holding a Youth Cup winners' medal, things have changed for me so much.
"Seeing what the lads from '96 have achieved is a great encouragement for us. If you keep working hard you do have that chance to make the first time.
"It gives me incentive to know the first-team lads are watching us and have been behind us.
"A lot of them came to the first match and were down in the dressing room with us beforehand wishing us luck.
"They obviously couldn't be at the second game because of the FA Cup semi-final, but they were sending text messages beforehand, which was great to know.
"We know it is the first win in 10 years and that players like Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen were in the side last time, that in itself gives us encouragement."