Manager Keith Hill had hoped to see his players “bounce” against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, and with his side displaying an excellent performance to book their place in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup, the Gaffer believes he saw that.
Speaking to iFollow after the game, he commented: “I got that [bounce] from the values of having to win a game.
“It was a hard game, but there was a fighting quality, so I’m really pleased with the competitive energy, and obviously the intelligence. When you’re being competitive you’ve got to show intelligence, and I thought we did that today.
"We’ve been guilty of committing too many silly free-kicks rather than courageous free-kicks, but there was courage and intelligence to the way that we played today, rather than supporting the opponents’ tactics.
“We also did one thing that we haven’t done a regular basis, which is defend as a team when the opposition are strong. We stood strong when they were going direct, which they had to do because they were losing the game.”
Calvin Andrew’s 18th minute goal proved to be the winner, when he rose highest to meet a Joe Bunney set-piece in from the right, but it was his all-round performance in both boxes that pleased Hill.
"I think the ball in from Joe Bunney was tremendous, it was a goal scoring ball.
“It was brilliant goal from Calvin, but what gave me more enthusiasm was his performance. It was his commitment, his endeavour and his putting their central defenders under pressure. You want centre-forwards to work central defenders in both boxes and I thought he was excellent today. He’s added towards his game and his function with a goa.l"
16-year-old Dan Adshead started the match and impressed once again on six appearance for the first team.
"He’s just an excellent talent. I don’t mind putting my trust in young players. I’m not stupid, and regardless of the situation that we were in today, I take cup competitions seriously. It was a decision well made, and he didn’t let me down.
“He was excellent in the first-half in keeping the ball. He got caught once or twice, but, wow, he was brave in going to get the ball. 16? It doesn’t matter to me - I’ve got no fear.
“When we’re talking about experience – it’s not age experience, it’s knowledge being put into practice and he’s got that knowledge. 16-years-old, wow!”
Watch the full interview on iFollow.