Swindon Town suffered a 2-0 defeat to Walsall last night as they went out of the Carabao Cup, conceding two late goals in a game that also saw youngster Harrison Minturn shown a red card.
Addressing the press after the tie at The Poundland Bescot Stadium, First-Team Head Coach, Scott Lindsey, admitted despite the result, the match proved a really good experience for the younger members of his squad.
“Of course it’s always disappointing to go out of a cup competition, but we played a young side today to give them some game time at a big stadium in front of almost 3,000 fans, and they’ll have learnt a lot from that.
“We were keen to pick a side that also gave valuable minutes to some of our first teamers that haven’t featured regularly in our opening league games, so I’m pleased we were able to do this.
“I thought we played well in the first half. We kept the ball and were good in possession, albeit I know we didn’t create too many chances.
“Walsall are a tough opponent and picked a relatively strong side for the game – I think there were five or so players in their starting eleven that played in their last league match, so we knew we were in for a tough evening.
“I thought the younger players were a credit and gave everything they had – George Cowmeadow was dead on his feet when we took him off - so the work rate was good, I just felt we ran out of steam towards the end.”
Lindsey on his nine changes from Salford…
“Obviously only Tyrese and Tomi started this game from last weekend, but we felt we had a lot of players who gave their all against Salford with ten men and it was a really hard one for them, so important we rested them with Saturday’s trip to Carlisle in mind.
“I stick by my decision on this one and means the squad will be fresher heading into the weekend, and as I’ve said, the experience the likes of Harry Parsons, George, Anton Dworzak and Mo (Dabre) will have gained will be invaluable in their development.”
Lindsey on scoring goals…
“I’ve made no secret of the fact we are looking to strengthen at the top of the pitch and work is ongoing behind the scenes to do this.
“We continue to work hard in training and we have players that can score goals right through the side, so it’s not a concern. We need to add to the squad with a forward but I feel the goals will come.”
Lindsey on identity…
“We had moments in the Walsall game where we had lots of possession, but we need to play through the thirds quicker which will enable us to create more chances, which is how we want to play.
“I thought we controlled moments of the game, especially in the first half and that was really encouraging.
“We’ve shown glimpses of this in all the games we have played so far, and we’ll continue to work tirelessly to keep improving. We stick to our philosophy and how we want to play and I feel we are improving all the time.”
Defender Cian Harries was one of the standout performers for Town last night.
Speaking to the media after the game, the Welshman said despite the defeat and Town still looking for their first win of the new season, morale in the camp remains high.
“It was a tough game tonight, but I felt we did well in the first half and dominated it. We didn’t create too many chances but the second half Walsall came after us.
“It meant we couldn’t get into our rhythm, and at the end of the day, moments define games, and that certainly happened towards the end with the penalty decision and the second goal soon after.”
Harries on being a leader…
“Although I’m only 25, I’m one of the more experienced lads in the squad and I’m really keen to help the young players and be a good influence.
“Harrison was unlucky tonight but he will learn from this experience, and it’s down to players like me to support him. I had lots of good leaders at previous clubs and it really helps you bounce back from disappointing moments in your career.
“I’m still learning myself and feel I can bring that positivity to the team when times are tricky, and I’ll continue to do that.”
Harries on morale…
“We’ve got a squad of really good lads here, so morale isn’t an issue.
“We continue to work hard and stick together. I’ve been at clubs previously where there have been negative characters in the dressing room, but we don’t have anything like that here.
“We’re going through a slightly tricky spell at the moment but it’s still very early days. We basically have a new team and it takes a bit of time to build and grow, but we will get there with this great group.
“We have to remember that nothing is won or lost in the opening few games of the season. There’s no medals or promotion in July and August.
“We are on the right track and working hard to continuously keep improving, and that’s our focus moving forward.”
