Edwards delighted with character

Rob Edwards was delighted with the character his under-23s side showed to keep their title hopes alive with victory over Stoke City.

The youngsters weren’t at their best at Molineux, without key personnel, but found a way to win and keep the pressure on Southampton in Premier League 2 Division 2. Ed Francis’ winner five minutes from time ensured the battle goes down to the final day, which was the primary target for Edwards.

On the character shown

“It shows a lot because you can never be outstanding all of the time throughout the season. To be fair to the boys every time they have performed here (at Molineux) this season they have been very good, so that was the first below-par performance we have had.

“So, to still get the win is really pleasing. The players were delighted because they found a way to win and that's what football is about in the end, especially at the level they're playing at, because the next level is where it really does matter, and they're learning that now.”

On a big three points

“It was a big victory and it was great to get the win. I spoke to the lads about the importance of winning, especially at this stage of the season, because that's what it is about. I was a little bit disappointed at the manner of it because we didn't perform at our best.

“I thought we were a bit passive and probably a little bit too easy to play against, probably for the majority of the game. We stepped it up a bit towards the end and pressed them higher and managed to get more pressure on the ball.

“It was fantastic to win the game, but we rode our luck a little bit and sometimes you have to do that. It's great to get the three points when you're not at your best, which we weren't.”

On keeping the pressure on opponents

“We put the pressure on and the ball is back in Southampton's court now and that's all we can do. I've said to the lads, if we finish second or third, then we know the semi-finals will be here as well. We've been really good here all season so let's aim for the highest finish we can possible and then we will see what comes of it.”