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Crofts delighted with derby day win

Under-23s coach full of praise following victory over Crystal Palace.

By Luke Nicoli • 18 October 2021

By Nigel Keene
Andrew Crofts takes his side to Goodison Park tonight

Andrew Crofts was delighted with the all-round performance of his side following a 2-1 Premier League 2 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Albion had raced into a 2-0 lead and played on the front foot for most of the first half, then showed a solid rearguard action in the second 45 minutes as the Eagles – who scored shortly before the break – attempted to get back on level terms.

As it was, the Seagulls saw out the game to move level with Arsenal in the table and just a point off leaders Manchester City.

“We came out of the blocks really sharp, really quick, took the 2-0 lead and probably could have had a couple more in the first half,” said Crofts. “Palace scoring just before half-time was disappointing because I thought we were excellent to that point and had controlled the game.

“That gave them a little bit of life going in the second half and it was then a different game. They put us under pressure in a period but we defended our box really well, with Tom McGill also making a couple of good saves.

“We got a little bit lucky on one or two occasions but after that we started to control the game again and probably should have extended our lead.

By Nigel Keene
Tom McGill made some important saves against Crystal Palace.

“It was a certainly game of two halves – the first being one that we controlled and the second being a one where we had to dig in. The resilience and mentality that the lads showed in different ways was really pleasing and overall we deserved the win.”

Evan Ferguson, 16, netted both Albion goals in that emphatic first-half display, the first from the penalty spot, but Crofts was quick to point out that the victory was a real team effort.

“For such a young player, scoring two goals and having a real positive influence is really pleasing. He certainly put a shift in for the team, but you never want to single out individuals when there have been so many good performances.

“The lads who came off the bench were also excellent and had a real impact as we came back into the game. It was a really good effort from all of the group.”

The game ended with a fracas that saw Palace sub Jack Roles shown a red card, but Crofts was pleased with the discipline his side showed on the night.

“With the game being a derby, it was one the lads were looking forward to and it’s always nice when you control the emotions of the game, which is something we spoke about beforehand.

By Nigel Keene
Evan Ferguson celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot

“The game had more of a derby feel about it in the second half, with two teams going at it in different ways, but we showed spirit and a real smartness. When the emotions are flying around, young players can sometimes make erratic decisions but we handled that side really well. Our emotional control in heated moments was really pleasing from the group.”

Albion have now picked up five wins from their opening eight league games, ahead of the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham, and Crofts feels there is real progress being made from the group.

“The development of the lads is the most important thing but part of that development is winning games of football and it’s a good habit to have," he added.

“We pride ourselves on our performances, the way we win games, but as a group they are also showing they’ve got a real edge to them, a real competitive grit.

“They are working together to improve as a team and as individuals, which is excellent to see, but our performances are also a reflection of what goes on behind the scenes from the coaching staff, the analysts, the physios… it’s a real team effort.”