James Collins believes the all-round performance was key to Wolves under-21s securing another win in Premier League 2 on Friday.
Tyler Roberts scored in each half as the Old Gold defeated Everton by two goals to nil at Finch Farm, and head coach Collins has given credit to his side, the young players coming into the team and the threat of goal scorer Roberts.
On what pleased him most
“The all-round performance. Against the wind first half, we played really sensibly. I thought we defended really well, got the tactics right, worked a terrific bit of football through for the goal and then saw the half out well.
“Second half, I thought we totally dominated the play with and without the ball. We managed to get the second goal which helps because with one it’s always dangerous.
“Probably for the first time in a while, we saw the game out really well as opposed to hanging on, which is something we’ve talked to the boys about.
“Our football at times today was very good in the structure we were trying to play in. We had a young team and got young players on the pitch as well which is always good to see.”
On the young players coming in
“Great credit to Wes (Okoduwa) who started the game and managed to see the game out well. That says a lot about his physicality. At 16 and still at school, to handle that is a good achievement. I thought he was good on the ball and as he gets more time, he’ll get braver when he has possession.
“The two boys who came on haven’t done the work with us around the strategy and tactics that we use so, at times, they weren’t making the movements we’d like them to make but that’s not their fault. I thought they both acquitted themselves really well and had a good go.
“Voicey (Caden Voice) played his first game at centre back for us and he was excellent. He can be really pleased with his performance and I thought he was really calm. He handled the step up in his stride, which is great credit to him.”
On Tyler Roberts
“He’s a real threat. We decided to play him up the middle today because of his pace. We knew we wanted to spring on the counter attack and we knew he’d be a big help for that.
“He’s so dogged, doesn’t give the centre halves a second rest and any sniff of an opportunity he’ll grab it. It was great to see him get the two goals.”
On winning matches vs development
“It’s about development. To see the young players on the pitch today was brilliant, the performance was really pleasing.
“The top 12 make the International Cup for next season, the top 16 get in the play-offs to keep our season going for longer, so that’s more chances to play development games.
“It’s always nice to get used to winning. I think we’re unbeaten in the league since last year which is an incredible achievement for any football team. We’ll try and keep that going as best we can.”
