A number of circumstances forced Sharps to shuffle the pack at Aggborough, with players given opportunities to impress as well as build up minutes for full match fitness. The application of the team was something that impressed Sharps, as the old gold dominated much of the game against the Royals who had already chalked up two wins in the group.
On the 90 minutes
“I was really pleased with the lads today. We asked them before the game to play with enthusiasm, with a smile on their faces and with lots of energy – I thought they did that exceptionally well today.
“We can still get better in certain areas, but I was really pleased with the attitude and effort.”
On players who came into the team
“I was really pleased for players like Luke Matheson and Michael Agboola who haven’t played much football recently. To come in and play the way they did was exceptional and I think it’s testament to their professionalism.
“Mich is coming back from an injury and Luke’s been just training recently so it was a test for their fitness standards. Also that’s testament to the team behind the scenes who work exceptionally hard to push the lads every day to hit certain targets, and I think it showed today that what they’re doing is a really good job.”
On Owen Farmer’s performance
“He’s been doing really well in the under-18s. I’ve watched him against Liverpool in the last couple of weeks and he deserves his chance – he’s come in and took it.
“He’s was a pest up front and got a great little finish. He’s a player you wouldn’t like to play against.”
On Lee Harkin’s impact
“His work rate deserved a goal. He doesn’t always get all the plaudits for what he does off the ball, but he’s a vital part of the team and squad. He’s good in the changing room, a bubbly character and it was great to see him finish it.
“I thought he took his goal really well, but we could’ve scored a little bit earlier and probably another one afterwards which would’ve calmed the game down a bit.”
On getting off to a winning start
“Reading were on two out of two, so if they beat us today they were virtually through. It was good to get those three points on board.
“The lads had a great run in it last year getting to the final and it’s something we’re trying to do again this year.”
On conceding late on
“Defenders always want to keep a clean sheet and they’re never happy when they concede goals. Jacko was kicking buckets when he came in, which is nice to see – it shows the professionalism, the will to win, the desire to keep the ball out the net. When it doesn’t happen, it’s frustrating.
“I thought the lads put their bodies on the line when needed today. Obviously you don’t want to concede a goal, but I wasn’t that nervous at the end. There was only a minute to go and we just had to see the game out.”
On more of the same against Sunderland
“The attitude and the effort has got to stay the same and we’ve got to keep it at that level, so it can’t drop. Basics have to stay in football.
“Sunderland will be a good team and we’ll have to go against them toe-to-toe and have a right go. The other lads will probably get a chance on Monday, but it’s a quick turnaround so that shows they have to be professional over the weekend and do the right things at the right times.”
