Coach Ryan Laight shared his delight following our U21s’ 2-0 win over Watford on Friday afternoon.
Goals from Josiah Dyer and Jonathan Bland after the break were enough for all three points as the young Reds put in a fine performance at Kings Langley.
“The lads in the second half were brilliant,” began Laight. “They came out playing better football with a bit more composure in what they were trying to do. They showed a little more intensity when pressing and winning second balls which let us get back into the game, and they never looked back after that.
“It was a bit of a flat 45 so we just needed to lift things for the second half. We told them to be braver and more composed on the ball, so then they could connect a few more passes together. Out of possession they needed to react to second balls to allow us to play our game.”
Following Watford’s incredible 7-0 win in the game prior, the Reds had a challenge cut out for them coming into the game with confidence high in the Hornets camp.
However, our young U21s showed remarkable nerve to hold their own and come out deserving victors.
"We prepared for the game like every other game,” assured Laight. “We worried about what we can do rather than what they’ve done or what they may do, and it’s shown. The lads have done everything we’ve asked and practiced on in training.
“Charlie Hickingbottom played well today, especially in the second half when he was a little more composed in possession and opened the play up from the back. But all across the pitch I think everyone lifted each other up and played a big part in the final score.
“Josiah Dyer got his goal with another good finish and getting in the right areas. As a striker you want him to score goals, but his overall play has been better, and he’s managed to bring people into the game. His goals recently are a biproduct of all the good work he does.
“The lads are playing well at the minute and have had two difficult away games this week, as well as two coming up. If they can apply themselves in the remaining games like they did in the second half, then there should be some good competitive games and results in the last few fixtures.”
