Crofts: Trophy games have been excellent

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Under-23s coach delighted with first win in this season's competition.

Charlie Hanson

2021-11-03T12:30:00Z

Andrew Crofts' team defeated Northampton Town 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Albion under-23s coach Andrew Crofts was pleased with the way his team dealt with the pressure of needing a win from last night’s Papa John’s Trophy match.

Crofts’ team had one point heading into their final group match against Northampton Town, knowing only victory gave them a chance of reaching the knockout stages.

Having gone 1-0 down in the first half at Sixfields, Albion responded through a wonder strike from Evan Ferguson, before Lorent Tolaj nodded in with the last attack of the game to snatch victory.

Progress in the competition now hangs on the outcome of next week’s game between Walsall and Forest Green Rovers, with Albion needing the latter to fall to defeat.

“The three group games have been excellent,” Crofts said. “At Walsall we were excellent in the first half, but suffered in the second half when we went down to ten men.

“Then getting the point at a Forest Green side who are flying enabled us to go for it against Northampton. That was a nice bit of pressure for the team, knowing they had to win to have any chance of progress."

Albion created a number of chances on an entertaining night against the Cobblers and Crofts felt his side could have won more comfortably.

“We controlled the game for large parts and should have been more ruthless with our chances. That was the disappointing thing for the boys and that’s part of their education as well – when you’re on top you need to be clinical.

“It was a top, top finish from Evan to get us back on level terms, then we had a couple of chances before the winner. I felt that we’d get one more chance; it was a great ball from Sam Packham and Lorent was in there to score.

“I am really pleased with the win because it allows us the chance to progress, providing the result goes for us next week. The group is a pleasure to manage, the staff are really tight-knit and we've created a real togetherness. It’s nice to have a win in this competition to show for that."