Two goals inside the final 10 minutes eventually broke the old gold’s resolve, but the application of the players was a pleasing aspect for Sharps on an evening where qualification into the knockout stage was already guaranteed. The tie once again proved an important learning experience for not only the players but also Sharps, who continued to deputise for James Collins in the dugout.
On the performance
“I thought we were very competitive. The lads had a right go and I’m proud of how they worked at it.
“I’m disappointed to lose the football match as I always am, but I’m proud of the players and the way they’ve worked hard.
“The first 15 minutes was really tough on them and we had to flip the shape a little bit just to help them out, but I thought application-wise we were really good. We didn’t get too high up the pitch, but defensively we put a right shift in.”
On playing on the counter-attack
“The strikers were working a little bit off scraps, but Leon (Chiwome) and Tyler (Roberts) are exceptional at winning balls that are in front of them. It was just that last little bit at the end – without thinking we were definitely going to score, there were half chances where we were nearly there.
“The lads tired in the second half and they brought on a few experienced players to improve them and win the game. We just couldn’t get up the pitch quick enough for my liking.”
On players breaking into the first team
“A few of the lads who played in the last round are with the first team which is brilliant – that’s what our job is. James (Collins) has done a fantastic job with this bunch of lads to get three or four to the first team.
“We’re now looking at the next batch and who we can push through for when the new manager comes in.”
On the Papa John’s Trophy experience
“It’s been a really great experience for them so far and obviously we’re in the next round which is brilliant. Not many under-21s teams qualify from the group stages so it will be a great experience to go and give it a good go in the knockout round.”
On Saturday’s victory against Tottenham
“The lads were exceptional. The way they started the game on Saturday was brilliant and to beat any Spurs team 4-1 is fantastic.
“We were clinical in both boxes and it was nice to see. It was a great bounce back from the week before and attitude-wise the players have been brilliant for me and Sean (Parrish) all week.”
On being in charge for the last three games
“Personally I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s been a great experience for me. It’s been hard work but the best thing for me is that the players have had a right go. Their attitude has been spot on and it’s important that when James comes back, he’s got a team that’s capable of doing things.
“Fair play to the players, they’ve bought into what we’ve asked of them and I’m really pleased with how they’ve trained.”
