Under-23s coach David Wright was delighted with what he saw from his side in their 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Monday afternoon.
Two goals from Rob Nizet set the teams apart as the Canaries dominated the game to bring all three points back to Norfolk after the lengthy journey to the Tyneside club.
Speaking in his post-match interview, Wright made his praise for the players clear, adding that he felt the score could’ve been a lot higher than 2-0 for the Canaries.
“First half, our shape was solid, I was pleased with that, we were difficult to play through and didn’t really concede any big chances. In possession, we just couldn’t quite link the back to the front.
“At half-time we spoke about that; we wanted the wingers to come and play a little bit more on the inside and make a box with our two midfield players. Full credit to the players, they went out there and they delivered what we spoke about at half time and we created numerous chances.
“I know the scoreline was 2-0 in the end, but I felt like it could’ve been a lot more and another pleasing thing is that clean sheet.”
Discussing the difference between the two halves, Wright credited his players for taking on the half time team talk and changing the game for the last 45 minutes, saying he never felt they would concede.
“The really pleasing thing for me as a coach is that we discuss things at half-time, then they have the bravery and intelligence to go out there and execute what we spoke about. They didn’t just do it once or twice, they consistently did it for 45 minutes.
“They had a few balls into our box in the second half, but I never felt like we were really under the cosh or going to concede.
“To be able to change that at half time in terms of looking really dangerous but keeping that solidity we had in the first half was really pleasing.”
Finally, asked about Rob Nizet’s contributions with his two fine finishes, Wright emphasised the importance of full-backs in his side before going on to credit the second goal as the way they want to play.
“I think something we spoke about at Cheltenham, especially the second half, is that full-backs are really important for us. If our wingers are playing on the inside, then we need more from our full-backs in an attacking sense.
“Rob [Nizet] did that today. The second goal was an excellent goal, it really is. That is how we want to play.
“We won’t be able to do that everytime, but its the principle of how that goal was built, starting with Jon [McCracken] at the back, into Jaden [Warner], into the midfield, into the wingers and then it was a run forward with real courage and then Rob finishes off with an excellent finish.”