Luton Town FC vs Blackpool (1st Apr 2017)

PUBLISHED 18:26 1st April 2017 Palmer plunders late winner to get the party started

LUTON TOWN 1 (Palmer 90)

BLACKPOOL 0

Att: 7,968 (418 away)

Substitute Ollie Palmer scored a last-minute winner breathe new life into the Hatters’ promotion push against top-seven rivals Blackpool this afternoon – then admitted he’d forgotten his pre-planned celebration dedicating the goal to his fortnight-old son Vinny!

The on-loan Leyton Orient man scored his second goal in a Town shirt to send the 7,500 Luton fans inside Kenilworth Road wild and bring to an end Nathan Jones’ team’s five-match winless run, lifting them back above the Tangerines into fifth position in the Sky Bet League Two table.

It came late, very late indeed with 90 minutes up. But it was a victory Jones’ side thoroughly deserved after being consistently denied throughout the front-foot performance by visiting keeper Dean Lyness, who produced telling saves from Danny Hylton, Isaac Vassell and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu among others.

Palmer couldn’t really miss, the ball landing at his feet a yard out after Lyness got a hand on Luke Gambin’s low cross. But the big striker had earned the opportunity, forcing his way into the Blackpool box with the ball glued to his foot before laying it off to fellow sub Gambin to deliver.

With four minutes of added time signalled, he then picked himself up from under the bundle of team-mates after sliding on his knees in front of the Enclosure – forgetting his plans to stick to the cradle the baby or thumb sucking stereotype – to help his side defend the lead, picking up a bloodied lip that required stitches in the process.

At the start of what proved a glorious afternoon, Jones made three changes to the team that started last week’s 2-1 defeat at Colchester, with 24-goal top scorer Hylton returning up front.

James Justin and Olly Lee – both of whom came on as substitutes at the Weston Homes Stadium – also came into the starting XI with midfielders Jordan Cook and Jake Gray missing out.

Captain Scott Cuthbert, Glen Rea and Alan Sheehan formed a back three, with Stephen O’Donnell and Justin as wing-backs, Lee, Mpanzu and Lawson D’Ath in midfield and Isaac Vassell – fresh from scoring his tenth goal of the season at Colchester – up front with Hylton.

It was Vassell who had the first sight of goal on ten minutes, with his 20-yard shot deflected inches wide of Blackpool keeper Lyness’ right post, to signal the first of a flurry of early corners as the Town started brightly.

It was from a 15th-minute free-kick for a foul on Lee, who had won the ball in the centre of the Tangerines’ half, that Hylton had his first chance, hitting a volley on the turn that Lyness got his body right behind.

His next came five minutes later and was much more clear cut, but the visiting keeper once more stood strong and saved his left-footed drive from the edge of the box after Vassell had played him through on goal.

The Hatters were snapping into every challenge, Cuthbert in particular not giving former Hatter Mark Cullen a kick up front for Blackpool, and it was his defensive sidekick Sheehan who won the ball and stepped forward to fire the next warning shot, his 20-yarder skimming just wide.

With the Town dominating possession and territory, it took Blackpool until the 26th minute to string their first attacking move together, and it was Cullen who went close with a glancing header on Colin Daniel’s cross, before Brad Potts almost latched onto Bright Osayi-Samuel’s low ball into the six-yard box just after the half-hour.

Moments after Justin had raced down the left and put a dangerous low cross into the near post area, that Lyness gathered, Hylton played a cutting reverse pass to Vassell in the area, but the Seasiders’ keeper was once more on his guard to turn the ex-Truro man’s cross-shot behind.

Town had to rely on goalkeeper Matt Macey’s shot-stopping ability twice in quick succession, first spectacularly tipping a 40th-minute effort from Osayi-Samuel over the bar when it was arcing into the top corner, before getting down low to hold onto a fierce drive from Neil Danns to keep the score goalless going into half-time.

The Hatters started the second half brightly, Hylton and D’Ath linking up well to tee Justin up to the left of the area, but Blackpool managed to clear his cross aimed for Vassell, seconds before the Cornishman got his head on a centre from Mpanzu, but couldn’t keep his effort down.

Again, the Town were winning the midfield battle with the impressive Lee and D’Ath breaking up any possession Blackpool had, before Jordan Flores latched onto a loose ball from just outside the box, but was way off target with his shot.

Soon after a header from Rea had looped up safely into the hands of Lyness, Jones looked to add an aerial threat to the Town attack with just under 25 minutes to go by introducing Palmer in place of Vassell.

Blackpool brought on a Vassell of their own at the same time, Kyle, and it was the former Peterborough striker who had the next opportunity, Macey pulling off another brilliant fingertip save to turn the sub’s overhead kick onto the crossbar, before clutching a Tom Aldred header from the resulting corner.

The Town were soon on the attack again, however, and with Palmer bustling with the centre-halves on the edge of the box, Mpanzu took the loose ball in his stride and sent a left-footed shot towards the bottom corner, but Lyness again got down low to save at full stretch.

Town tails were up, and from a lovely passing that started on the left, the ball found its way to O’Donnell on the right, but Lyness again did well to gather as Hylton prepared to pounce at the near post.

It was to be the ex-Oxford man’s last involvement, with Marriott brought on in his place and almost immediately, a raking ball from Lee – one of many the midfielder hit over 90 minutes – set Marriott away down the left, but a heavy touch as he made his way into the box saw the opportunity pass.

Still Jones’ side probed, and some terrific interplay between Marriott, D’Ath and Mpanzu in the Blackpool penalty area created a shooting chance for Justin in the 80th minute, but the teenager’s shot was charged down.

Jones made his final substitution with four minutes left, bringing Luke Gambin on for O’Donnell – and it was the man who had missed the last two games while away on World Cup qualifying duty with Malta who played a crucial part in the winning goal.

Seconds after Cuthbert made a crucial block on Kyle Vassell’s 89th-minutes shot, Palmer bustled his way into the area and slipped the ball across to Gambin, whose low ball into the six-yard box presented the striker with the simplest tap-in of his career to send the home crowd into raptures.

Town’s second double of the season, following up the 2-0 win at Bloomfield Road in December, was complete and a massive three points against the country’s most in-form team was in the bag.

Now it’s onto Barnet and half-a-dozen equally big games as the Town look to put a run of wins together to take them towards their goal.

On players’ charity of the year Brain Tumour Research’s #WearAHatDay, the message is clear – hang on to your hats, it promises to be some ride!

TOWN: Macey, O’Donnell (Gambin 86), Rea, Cuthbert ©, Sheehan, Justin, Lee, Mpanzu, D’Ath, Hylton (Marriott 75), Vassell (Palmer 66). Subs: Smith, Bakinson, Famewo, Moore (GK)

Yellows: Lee

BLACKPOOL: Lyness, Mellor, Robertson, Potts (Odelusi 86), Cullen (K Vassell 67), Flores, Aldred (c), Osayi-Samuel (Delfouneso 66), Daniel, Payne, Danns. Subs: Aimson, Matt, Black, Slocombe (GK)

Yellows: Danns

REFEREE: Chris Kavanagh

PUBLISHED 17:50 1st April 2017 The** gaffer was delighted with his side's performance**

Town boss Nathan Jones was impressed with his side’s response from their defeat last week at Colchester as a late Ollie Palmer goal secured all three points against Blackpool this afternoon.

With the game goalless and 90 minutes almost up, substitute Palmer fired home when visiting goalkeeper Dean Lyness forced Luke Gambin’s shot into the path of the Leyton Orient loanee.

The result leaves the Town in fifth, eight points shy of third-placed Portsmouth.

Jones said: “After last week, I asked them for a response and they gave me it, fair play. They don’t disappoint me. Now and again they let themselves down, not me, but they let themselves down. But they were outstanding today.

“For the first 20 minutes, Blackpool didn’t get out of their half. Let’s remember, Blackpool are a team that are flying. We played them in December – they were flying, we beat them.

“Today, we were quality. We had a real structure about us and it could have been more with the chances we had. They had shots from distance, our keeper had to make saves, but we had some real clear cut opportunities we could have done a lot more with.

“They showed me today they have got a real load of character. There’s a lot of negativity floating about. At press conferences, I have had to lift the press, people like that, because I believe in this group and they have responded once again. Brilliant.

“We were excellent, our structure from start to finish, we were quality. In the first 20 minutes we were unlucky not to take the lead. Danny had a great chance, an unbelievable chance to get us in the lead and that’s what we worked on. But we were superb.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UPzQbZlvqQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu5b0npOnRk

http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/luton-town-football-league-two-blackpool-3651953.aspx

League Two: Luton Town 1 Blackpool 0

Game-changer Ollie Palmer scored an absolutely crucial last-gasp winner for Luton Town this afternoon as they saw off fellow play-off rivals Blackpool at Kenilworth Road.

It had looked like Hatters were going to be held to yet another draw, stretching their unbeaten run to six games in the process, until Palmer, on for Isaac Vassell midway through the half, took over.

With the injury time board about to go up, the on-loan Leyton Orient front man used his physical presence to bulldoze a way through the retreating Tangerines' back-line and with defenders falling by the wayside, found fellow substitute Luke Gambin in the area.

The Maltese international's right-footed shot was spilled by the otherwise exemplary Dean Lyness allowing Palmer to tap the rebound in from two yards out, sparking scenes of bedlam at Kenilworth Road as the forward was quickly engulfed by his ecstatic team-mates.

The victory was vital too as going into the 90th minute, Luton were only in the play-offs on goal difference, but after ending the Tangerines' nine-game unbeaten sequence and completing the double over their Lancashire opponents, climbed to fifth and have a three point buffer over eight place once more.

Although Palmer will no doubt get the plaudits, keeper Matt Macey deserve a great deal of credit for the victory, with two superb saves, while the recalled Olly Lee also gave a performance of real endeavour and no little quality too.

Town chief Nathan Jones made three changes to the side, with the main news being the return of star striker Danny Hylton from a tight hamstring that had kept him out of the 2-1 defeat at Colchester last weekend.

Lee was back in too, with James Justin returning as left wingback, as Jones reverted to the 3-5-2 formation that saw Hatters at least show signs of improvement during their loss to the U's.

The hosts started positively too, looking to banish any lingering memories from last weeks' horror opening 45 against Colchester, Isaac Vassell driving at the heart of Pools' defence and unleashing a low drive that deflected behind for a corner.

A bout of head tennis ended with Hylton's volley easily handled by Lyness, before he was put through by Vassell's flick on 21 minutes, seeing a left-footer repelled by Blackpool's stopper.

Alan Sheehan opted to go for goal on his own, springing forward and not missing the bottom corner by much, but despite Luton's monopoly of the ball, the Tangerines weren't far away from an opening midway through the half, Colin Daniel's excellent left-wing cross glanced narrowly wide by former Town striker Mark Cullen.

Hylton showed some lovely feet to set Vassell free but with Lawson D'Ath unmarked in the middle, the striker went for goal, Lyness diverting over the bar.

Macey, who had come under fire for his recent display against Newport, then performed heroics to turn Bright Osayi-Samuel's effort over the bar as the winger's mazy run and curling effort looked destined for the top corner, until the on-loan Arsenal stopper somehow twisted his body to flip it behind.

His next action was easier, claiming Neil Danns' shot after the midfielder waltzed past a few timid challenges from his counterparts.

The opening exchanges in the second period came and went with little or nothing to write home, until out of nothing, both keepers made wonderful saves in the space of a minute to keep the scores goalless.

First, on 66 minutes, Macey somehow bettered his effort from the first half, flicking out a hand to tip Kyle Vassell's acrobatic overhead volley on to the bar and over, handling a follow up header too.

Then barely 60 seconds later, when the visiting defence got themselves into a tangle, Lyness got down swiftly and smartly to prevent Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu's angled drive breaking the deadlock.

Lyness just about beat Hylton to Stephen O'Donnell's cross, with Jones ringing the changes, Palmer being followed on by Jack Marriott and Gambin.

They proved excellent alterations too, as Gambin shot, Lyness fumbled and Palmer did the rest, meaning Luton's players could finally celebrate a first home win since Valentines Day, giving their play-off hopes a real shot in the arm too.

Hatters: Matt Macey, Scott Cuthbert, Glen Rea, Alan Sheehan, Stephen O'Donnell (Luke Gambin 86), James Justin, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Olly Lee, Lawson D'Ath, Isaac Vassell (Ollie Palmer 66), Danny Hylton (Jack Marriott 75).

Subs not used: Stuart Moore, Tyreeq Bakinson, Akin Famewo, Jonathan Smith.

Blackpool: Dean Lyness, Kelvin Mellor, Clark Robertson, Brad Potts (Sanmeil Odelusi 86), Mark Cullen (Kyle Vassell 66), Jordan Flores, Tom Aldred (C), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Nathan Delfouneso 66), Colin Daniel, Jack Payne, Neil Danns.

Subs not used: Sam Slocombe, Will Aimson, Ian Black.

Booked: Danns 52, Lee 75.

Attendance: 7,968 (418 away).

Referee: Christopher Kavanagh.

Hatters MOM: Matt Macey. Two absolutely wonderful saves ensured Palmer's late strike was the winner.

Luton boss Nathan Jones couldn't hide his delight after Ollie Palmer's last-gasp winner saw his side end their five game winless run with a vital 1-0 win over Blackpool this afternoon.

The substitute pounced from close range after Luke Gambin's shot was spilled by visiting keeper Dean Lyness to net his second goal since arriving on loan from Leyton Orient, as Jones said: "We'll take them how they come but what a great way to win a game, for the fans, for everyone, last minute, it's difficult to come back.

"We still made it hard for ourselves by giving silly free kicks away and inviting pressure, but it only added to the drama and we don't mind a bit of drama.

"It hurts me when we don't pick up wins, we're always trying to be positive and I take the blame for that.

"I work 14 hours a day and think 'how can we get better? How can we do this?'

"It's relentless and I love it. So for those moments, when you get those 91st minute winners, that is why I do it.

"I can now get a good 10 hours where I can relax and then get back to grind again."

Jones celebrated the goal animatedly when it arrived and then led his side round the ground at the end, with his usual passionate end of match celebrations to Town supporters.

He added: "Sometimes I get carried away, but I'm like that as a person.

"I'm very impulsive in terms of what I do, but there's an element of relief to it too.

"There's also pride that my side kept going, my young side kept going and kept wanting to win the game. It's a great win and an important win as well."

Jones: Tangerines victory shows Hatters are made of 'sterner stuff'

Luton boss Nathan Jones believes his players showed they are made of ‘sterner stuff’ after ending a run of five games without a victory thanks to Ollie Palmer's last-gasp winner in a 1-0 triumph over Blackpool at Kenilworth Road yesterday afternoon.

The on-loan Leyton Orient striker came off the bench to tap home from two yards out after visiting keeper Dean Lyness failed to hold Luke Gambin's effort as Jones said: “It’s just a wonderful response. There’s been a lot of negativity and I’ve had to defend that and question my players, but they responded.

“They’re a young group, so there’s going to be inconsistencies, they’re not going to be at the top level all the time, but they’re getting there. What a wonderful response and they showed that they're built of sterner stuff than before.

“We started the game superbly well and for 20 minutes we camped in their half as our keeper made a few saves from distance.

"In terms of how we went about our work and the structure we had about us, I thought we were excellent, and the players responded.

“The work-rate they put in, how we played, we got in so many opportunities, that if we just had a little bit more cutting edge, it could have been more comfortable.”

The Town chief knew his side haven’t been at their best in recent weeks, but felt some of that was down the youthful nature of the squad he has put together at Kenilworth Road this term.

He added: “These (Blackpool) are a good side, a very, very good side, they’re on an unbelievable run, we've shown we're a good side too.

“We sometimes let ourselves down, we sometimes have an element of naivety, but we're a young side, we have the second youngest squad in the league.

"As I keep saying, in that top six or seven, we have got by far the youngest side and sometimes they need a rest. They can't keep churning out (performances). When you're an old warhorse and a 27, 28, 29-year-old, you can do that. We've got a young group that need looking after and that’s what we do.

"James Justin, what a performance from a young kid, 19 years of age, so many of them are 23, 24, Pelly Ruddock, Glen Rea. We lack experience, but we’ve got a real freshness about us, we want to win the game, they want to learn, want to get better.

"And this group are going to go through the roof, absolutely through the roof.”

Hatters** chief reserves special praise for midfielder Lee**

Luton midfielder Olly Lee drew glowing praise from boss Nathan Jones after his performance in the 1-0 win over Blackpool yesterday.

They 25-year-old has been the subject of criticism from certain section of Hatters’ supporters in recent weeks, but was recalled to the starting line-up for the crunch match against one of Town’s fellow play-off contenders.

Lee responded with an excellent performance, always looking to get on the ball, displaying a fine array of passing, while he was noticeably more involved in the physical battle too, making a number of crucial tackles too.

Speaking afterwards, Jones said: "A big mention for Olly Lee as some of his passing was of a higher level in terms of his choices and how he got on the ball.

“His defensive work was much improved and that’s the thing he needs to work on, but his all round game, and what I want from a defensive midfield player, he gave me today.

“It was sublime at times with his passing and his trajectory of his passing, they get there earlier and give people an extra second. People switch play and lob it and by the time it gets there, people have closed them down, but he drills it.

"I’m very pleased with him today, I said to him at the end, he showed a pair, in terms of doing that as when your own fans have a go at you, and I’m testament to that, the Yeovil fans, they told me to retire far earlier than I did.

“So it’s always good to see one of your players show that kind of character, I like that.”

Lee was one of three changes that Jones made from the 3-1 defeat to Colchester, with Danny Hylton and James Justin back in too as Town switched to three at the back once more.

Jones continued: “We felt we were comfortable with that. The group I needed to put out, we prefer the diamond, we like playing the diamond, we haven’t been as fluent, so I wanted to get a little bit more impetus from wide areas and we got that.

“We got in some wonderful areas without picking anyone out. A little bit more composure, a little bit more cutting edge, maybe a little bit more violence about us, then we would have got the goal earlier, but what a way to win.

“Alan Sheehan was massive, as my back three was, full backs, Sods (Stephen O'Donnell) wasn’t as productive and kept going, showed a bravery again.

“So they’re a good group and I’m proud of my group and so should the supporters be. As Blackpool are flying, they’re one of the strongest sides in this league, player for player, they’ve got some firepower, and I thought we contained that, I really did.”

On Hylton, who had been struggling with a tight hamstring in the build-up, lasting 75 minutes before making way for Jack Marriott, Jones added: “He’s shown no reaction to that.

“He was treading water as he hasn’t trained in two weeks, it just shows that he isn’t superman, and I know he isn’t superman, but we treat him like that at times.

“He led the line for us, was a constant pest, could have got a goal as well, even at 55, 60, 65 per cent. So that will help him and he’ll be better for the weekend (against Barnet).”

Luton 1 Blackpool 0: Palmer's the late hero for Hatters

Sub Ollie Palmer was the last-gasp hero who revived Luton Town's promotion hopes with a dramatic winner against Blackpool yesterday.

Palmer climbed off the bench to finish off a neat move from a few yards out when the game looked for all it's worth to be heading for a frustrating stalemate.

A neat move across the Blackpool area saw the ball fall to Palmer, unmarked and lurking on the edge, who took a touch and then made no mistake as he blasted the ball home.

The goal moved Luton up from seventh and hanging on to their play-off place by a thread to a far healthier fifth, while Blackpool tumbled out of the top seven.

The good news for Hatters fans before the game was the inclusion of top scorer Danny Hylton, who had missed last week's defeat at Colchester, in the starting line up.

Lawson D'Ath retained his place following a decent performance at Colchester, while James Justin and Ollie Lee were restored to the starting line up.

Hylton received his PFA Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month award for February pitch-side before kick off, and from the first whistle it looked like he meant business.

And it was he who had the first sniff of goal after being set three by a good quick throw from Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, but visiting keeper Dean Lyness came out to smother.

Luton definitely had the better of the opening exchanges, with Isaac Vassell's effort deflected wide following a good run, while a series of balls in from Stephen O'Donnell, who was enjoying the freedom of the right flank, put the Blackpool back four under continued pressure.

Lyness then twice denied Hylton, first after a shot on the turn from the striker, and then after Vassell set up his strike partner, while Alan Sheehan dragged a shot just wide after bursting forward on the left.

As the visitors started to get into the game, former Hatter Mark Cullen got his first sight of goal when he got his head to a lovely cross from the left, but couldn't direct it on target, while at the other end, Vassell should have done better after being put in by Justin but Lyness saved.

Matt Macey, who hadn't been called much into action, was then suddenly in the thick of it with an outstanding flying save to keep out Bright Osayi-Simpson at full stretch, then got down well to keep out Neil Danns seconds later.

The second half, by comparison, started slowly, with not nearly as many chances, and settled into something of a stalemate, as the frustrations in the home stands grew. So many aspects of the home side's play was good, but the final ball left a lot to be desired on numerous occasions.

As open as the first half had been, the defences were definitely on top after the break, and Hatters boss brought on Palmer for Vassell in at attempt to break the deadlock. But for a tea with their main talisman back in the side, they looked somewhat disjointed up top.

It wasn't until the 70th minute until either keeper was called into real action in the second 45, but Macey showed no signs of rust as he brilliantly tipped sub Kyle Vassell's spectacular bicycle kick onto the crossbar and over.

Seconds later, Lyness was woken up at the other end, first saving from Mpanzu following a good run and shot, and then wrestling the ball from Hylton's feet as the striker waited to pounce on O'Donnell's ball in.

That was to be Hylton's last action before being replaced by Jack Marriott, who had an immediate chance but lost the ball when he tried to cut inside in the area, while Justin and D'Ath both had shots blocked on the edge of the area as Blackpool continued to frustrate.

But just when it seemed Hatters fans would be left to contemplate another disappointing afternoon, that man Palmer struck to send the home smiling.

LUTON: Macey, O'Donnell (Gambin), Rea, Cuthbert, Sheehan, Mpanzu, D'Ath, Lee, Justin, Vassell (Palmer), Hylton (Marriott). Subs (not used): Moore, Smith, Bakinson, Famewo.

ATTENDANCE: 7,968 (418 away fans)

Luton's young guns earn praise from manager

Nathan Jones saluted his Luton Town young guns after they ended their winless streak with a 1-0 win over Blackpool yesterday.

The Hatters' promotion bid has come off the rails of late following a run of just one win in nine games, but Jones insists there will always be ups and downs with such a young side.

But yesterday was definitely a high point for the Luton boss, whose side got back on track thanks to Ollie Palmer's late winner.

Jones said: "There's been a lot of negativity and stuff lately with the run we've been on, but we responded fantastically well. Blackpool are a very good side who were on an unbelievable run, but we're a young side, the second youngest in the league.

"So many of them are under the age of 23. We may lack experience, but we have so much desire to win the game, and they want to get better. This group is going to go through the roof, we've got by far the youngest side in the top six or seven.

"There's been a lot of negativity and I've had to question my players, but they responded today. There's going to be inconsistencies, and they're not going to be at the top level the whole time, because that comes with experience and they're not there yet.

"They showed today that they're built of sterner stuff, and I'm proud of my group as Blackpool are one of the strongest sides in the league. Man for man they really have some firepower, but we contained that.

"But what a way to win! We're the only side not nicking wins late on, and we haven't had too many clean sheets as we're an expansive side – but I can't remember anyone, apart from Portsmouth, really cutting us open. Apart from that, we're a solid side."

Luton hero told to keep up the aggression

Super sub Ollie Palmer has been told to keep the aggression coming if he wants to force his way into the Luton Town first team.

The on-loan striker has made just one the one start since joining from Leyton Orient in January, making do with mainly cameos off the bench.

But he staked his claim for a start by clambered off it to snatch a vital last-minute winner against Blackpool yesterday.

Hatters boss Nathan Jones said: "I'm delighted for Ollie that he got the goal because I want more aggression from him. When he came on I wanted him to have that bit between his teeth like he did.

"We needed more aggression from him and we needed him to be dominant, he gives us that impetus when he comes on. He will have been disappointed he didn't start last week, but I don't care what I have to do to get results out of this group.

"If I have to punch someone in the back of the head, they better take it and they better respond so we're getting the wins we need. Okay, I don't do that, but I make decisions which not everyone will agree with. Respect it and get on with it, and we'll be a better team for it."

All of Luton's subs in fact played a part in the win, with Luke Gambin and Jake Mariott helping break down a Blackpool back four which had been resolute all afternoon, and looked for all it's worth to have earned their side a point.

Jones added: "We ask for game changers. Jack came on and pressed and gave us energy and impetus with the stretching of the play. Ollie got the goal and Gambin had a hand in it. They changed the game, so well done.

"What a great way to win the game too – for the fans and for everyone – right at the last minute. We still made it hard for ourselves by giving away a few silly free kicks which invited the pressure, but it only added to the drama."