Following our U18s’ hard fought 2-1 victory over Swansea City, Josiah Dyer and Hayden Pickard discussed their aims to keep contributing to goals throughout the season.
A difficult encounter against the Swans was decided by a late strike from Emmaisa Nzondo, whose poke into the net from a Josh McKay cross decisively tied up the game. The Reds also scored first in the form of an 11th minute header from Dyer, who rose the highest to match Pickard’s pinpoint cross.
“We did really well, and I think we dug in,” started Dyer, discussing how he believed the team performed. “It’s the first game of the season so there’s a long way to go but I think as a collective, as a group, we stuck together.”
Pickard agreed with his teammate, stating: “It’s a good start and three points. The start of the game was a bit lethargic and off with the press. After Rogan made a great penalty save, we really grew into it more and started dominating.
“We kept our heads high,” continued the full-back, referring to Swansea’s equaliser in the 73rd minute. “It’s a debatable goal, I don’t know whether it’s offside or not. We just said to each other, come on, you’ve got to keep digging, it’s happened, you’ve taken a punch, but we just needed to get back and keep fighting.”
Similarly, Dyer believed the team did incredibly well to no let the away team’s leveller effect their play.
“I think everyone did really well,” he asserted. “All the subs and the team stuck together which is what it’s all about. When you’re playing for points and playing for results, that’s what you’ve got to do, you’ve got to come together as a group, and I thought we did that and deserved the goal.”
Dyer made it clear after the game that he intends to carry on his good form from pre-season after opening his account for the season within 11 minutes.
“I’m feeling really confident going into the season,” continued the attacker. “I thank God because I’ve scored in most of the friendlies, and I’ve now started the season really well with a goal.
“I know there’s a lot to improve on personally for us as a team, but I know so long as I’m in the box I’ll get a chance.”
The man who provided the assist to Dyer also believes that creating goals is something he will carry on throughout the season.
“Today I was a bit leggy at the start, but I grew into it,” admitted Pickard. “I think my specialty is crossing and assists. I’ve got off the mark today and if I keep doing that then it’s going to be a good season.”
The young Reds will look to continue their excellent start to the season next Saturday, as they travel to face Millwall in what will be a fiery game.
