Rusk Highlights Moments Of Quality

Brighton & Hove Albion under-23 coach Simon Rusk praised his team for producing the moments of quality that made the difference in last night’s impressive 2-0 victory over the Premier League 2 Division 2 league leaders, Blackburn Rovers.

The Seagulls extended their winning run to six games and moved into the play-off spots, thanks to goals from Viktor Gyokeres and James Tilley, and Rusk was delighted with his team’s commanding performance.

He said, “It was a really good win against a very good Blackburn team. We knew we’d have to be at our best and we were missing quite a few players.

“I thought the lads that stepped in were brilliant - Steven Alzate and Jordan Davies played in central midfield, and that was a little bit foreign to them, against very good opposition.

“There were a lot of good performances out there. Blackburn are top of the league and had only lost one game all season.

“It was two moments of real quality that helped us execute the win. Overall, I’m delighted with the fashion of the victory - it was a strong performance with some good battling qualities.”

Albion’s victory was also a fourth consecutive clean sheet and third straight league win, and Rusk believes his players are benefitting from always showing the right attitude when taking to the pitch.

“We’ve got a set of principles that we stick by - I’ve been very happy with a lot of players over the last couple of years that have pulled on the shirt.

“We always wear it with pride and the players want to work as hard as they can. We want to bring all of our qualities into the games.

“Maybe we’re getting our rewards, at the minute, for sticking at that - so full credit has to go to the players.”

Rusk’s side have five league games remaining, while also participating in the Parafix Sussex Senior Cup and Premier League Cup, but the Albion coach stressed the importance of staying focused.

“I’ve told the players to enjoy their wins and understand why they’re winning games. They have to realise what standards they’re setting which allows them to win matches.

“But as much as you’re winning, you’ve got to keep your feet on the ground. It’s on to the next game, which is now the biggest game, and we just want another big performance.”