Speaking after our U23s 3-1 victory against Peterborough United on Friday, Head Coach Martin Devaney expressed his delight at the young Reds’ performance that saw them get back to winning ways.
Goals from David Bremang, Amir Ariely and Will Hondermarck were enough for three deserved points in front of supporters on the main pitch at Oakwell.
“Ultimately, we don’t look at the results but today at Oakwell it gave that little more emphasis on the players and them wanting to do well and perform well, and I though they adapted well psychologically from that side,” stated Devaney
“In terms of possession, some really good football playing through the lines – we worked our diagonals really good and we were comfortable at half-time and then the second half I though first 10-15 minutes, after praising them, they took the foot of the gas a little bit and that showed with two or three individuals in terms of what we wanted to do.
“It was a mistake for the goal so I spoke about that, creating good habits going the right things, but then after the goal I thought we did really well; scoring from a set-piece and then Will – his endeavour of trying to get in and attacking – and he came up lucky with the shot and the goal.”
Isaac Christie-Davies put in a fine display in midfield, finding passes that unlocked the Peterborough defence and Devaney was pleased with the way he played.
“Isaac is really comfortable at playing and receiving the ball in tight areas and I think it showed today,” continued the 23s coach
“His skill set – how he organises and helps organise the players in terms of playing out – he recognises space really well and then he has the ability to deal with balls in tight areas and find a way to play through their press and I thought he did really well.
“He has had quite a few months off but he seems to have recovered really well and he is putting two good performances last week against Manchester United, which was behind closed doors, which he was excellent and then today I thought he was really good.”
Amir Ariely got what proved to be the match winner in the second half at the Ponty End – the same end that he unfortunately injured his ankle the last time he played on the Oakwell pitch.
Devaney was thrilled to see the young Israeli get on the score sheet after his injury troubles to put the icing on what was an impressive outing for the defender.
“So, with the corner you want to give the players ownership and they worked it really well, a ball into the box from Lanny and Amir was there to poke it home so I’m pleased for him,” he stated.