Alfie Pond was disappointed with the way Wolves under-21s let the game slip away from them at Sunderland on Monday.
The Old Gold exited the Premier League 2 play-offs following a 4-1 defeat at the Black Cats, and defender Pond has reflected on the game and 2023/24 season as a whole.
On losing to Sunderland
“First and foremost the lads are gutted in there. First half we gave ourselves a real chance and then capitulated second half which is pretty much the story of our season.
“There weren’t enough characters, too many individuals and people going into their shells when it gets tough.
“First half we were really good and then second half was a complete capitulation to be honest.”
On going into half-time leading
“When we went in at half-time we said this game isn’t over which, at 1-0, it isn’t.
“Let’s not sit back and try and defend. Let’s keep going for it. First half hour was really tough, they really put us under pressure and made it difficult. We just never really got going again after that.”
On knowing what to expect
“When we played them at home, they did well there and we knew it was going to be tough.
“They press really well, they put you under pressure and play really good football out the back to be fair to them.
“We knew what we were expecting. First half I thought we handled them really well and second half speaks for itself.”
On assessing the season
“There’s no denying we’re a young group. 10th is a reasonable finish. I don’t start the season wanting to finish 10th but on the balance of how games were, it was probably a fair reflection of where we probably are.
“We’re a mix of senior players like myself and then the young lads coming in, so overall it was a fair reflection.”
On looking ahead to next season
“I’m really looking forward to next season, I think it’s a big year for me. Hopefully I hit the ground running when I come back and we can get going.”
