Ruth: We stuck to our style and were rewarded

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Under-21s' head coach reflects on Monday's 4-1 comeback win against Hull City in the Premier League Cup.

Matt Bishop

2024-02-06T06:00:00Z

Head coach Shannon Ruth was pleased with his side's second-half performance against Hull City.

Shannon Ruth was pleased with how his team stuck to the club’s philosophy in their resounding win over Hull City in the Premier League Cup on Monday.

Second-half goals from Samy Chouchane and Louis Flower, either side of Mark O’Mahony’s brace, sealed a 4-1 victory over the Tigers in Lancing and Ruth was delighted to see his team produce a battling comeback while sticking to their usual style of play.

“We were unlucky to be 1-0 down at half-time but I knew if we kept playing how we were playing, we’d create chances.” said our under-21s head coach. “Hull frustrated us in the first half with their compact shape and organisation but credit to our lads, they stuck to their task.

“We were more measured in the second 45 minutes and picked better solutions. We kept playing how we know to play, we played better passes and kept the ball in good areas – it was a really pleasing second-half display.”

Joe Knight breaks forward from midfield.

After Chouchane had levelled things up from the penalty spot, Marcus Ifill and Louis Flower were introduced from the bench and both had a big impact on the game with the former crossing for O’Mahony’s first goal and the latter setting up the Irishman’s second strike, before sliding home our fourth goal himself.

“Marcus and Louis did well – I was really pleased with their contributions and the whole squad’s. After the January window shut, we now have a really strong group with good depth and quality.

“Whoever we bring onto the pitch can make an impact. We had five players training with the first team on Monday morning which shows the talent we’ve got available.

“With it being a double game week, we needed the whole squad and they’ve all delivered for us so we’re happy.”

Ruth’s side are back in action on Friday night as they face Norwich City at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, kick-off 7.30pm.