United move on to the Daggers
There was no hiding the pride as Michael Appleton looked back on his side’s heroics at West Brom last night. The U’s pushed their Premier League opponents all the way before losing 7-6 on penalties, but Michael, who spent ten years at the Hawthorns earlier in his career, was delighted with the character of his side and the way they played.
“I am very proud,” he told Yellow Player. “The first half was a little bit frustrating because we paid them a little bit too much respect really, but in the second half and in extra time I couldn’t have asked for any more from the players. We created lots and lots of opportunities and kept the ball really well at times against a side that paid us the utmost respect with the side that they put out tonight.
“Not taking the chances in extra time probably cost us but from Max in goal right through to the lads who came off the bench they were all fantastic and I said to them afterwards to take confidence from it and move on very quickly. We have a job to do and I hope that the performances continue because the results will go for us if they do.”
Michael was quick to praise the magnificent United fans who travelled in numbers and roared their side on:
“The fans helped us massively, especially when we were under the cosh a little bit in the first half. But then they got a bit of belief, we kept the ball a little bit better and you could see the players responding to that and that’s when we took the game to West Brom.”
United now look to build from that performance and get that elusive win under their belts as they welcome Dagenham and Redbridge to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday in Sky Bet League 2. Michael is very clear where his priorities lie:
“I am disappointed not to come away having got through to the next round but ultimately I genuinely believe that a win on Saturday is ten times more important than getting one here.”
Come and back the U’s against the Daggers. Tickets are cheaper in advance so call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk