Our U21s were edged out 3-2 by Bristol City in their first game of the 22/23 Professional Development League campaign.
Kareem Hassan-Smith, who levelled the scores just after the hour mark, gave his reaction to the defeat.
“It’s disappointing to start with a loss,” affirmed Hassan-Smith. “We can’t afford to start like we did in the first 10 minutes. We conceded after a minute which just isn’t good enough.”
Barnsley’s poor start was rectified in the tenth minute with Jack Butterfill scoring a magnificent equaliser – deftly flicking Danny Benson’s low cross into the far corner with his heel.
Our wing-back was quick to praise his side’s positive reaction to their early setback.
“I was impressed with our effort and fighting spirit,” continued Hassan-Smith. “We just kept working and eventually managed to get the equaliser.”
On a personal note, the 19-year-old stated he was delighted to get off the mark and is eager to make goalscoring a regular habit during the upcoming campaign.
He stole in at the far post to turn home Jean Claude Makiessi’s low cross, showing great tenacity to beat the defender to the ball.
“It was nice to get a goal and I hope to kick on and score many more this season,” he smiled. “I didn’t have the best of starts but as time went on, I felt that I grew into the game and my performance improved.”
Kareem believed his side controlled proceedings for the majority of the game, despite the opposition having an extra man.
Fabio Jalo saw red after half an hour following a melee in the Robins’ penalty area, and the visitors made their numerical advantage count by snatching the points late on.
“We created plenty of chances and dominated the game even after we had a man sent off,” he discussed.
“It was disappointing to concede late on but I think that was mainly due to tired legs and having a man sent off.
Hassan-Smith is eager to solidify his place in Tom Harban’s side and have as strong a campaign as possible, having featured for the first team in pre-season.
“I’ve just got to keep working hard and make sure I’m performing well in every game, then hopefully the results will come.”
