Bunn looks back at the PL Cup semi-final
- Frankie Bunn reviews U21 Premier League Cup semi-final- SPD Coach congratulates winners Hull City
- Bunn thanks the 927 fans in attendance
Huddersfield Town’s Senior Professional Development Coach Frankie Bunn congratulated Hull City on progressing to the U21 Premier League Cup final after tonight’s penalty shootout win at the John Smith’s Stadium.
After 120 goalless minutes in a closely contested match, it was the Tigers that held their nerves in the shootout to win 4-3 in dramatic fashion.
“I have to say well done to Hull. I thought they setup really well against us; they were well organised and had a game plan that we struggled with in the first half, as we couldn’t get out,” Frankie told htafc.com.
“I’ve said to the boys that I thought we were poor in the first half and still lucky to be in the game. I was disappointed, as I thought we didn’t turn up. The players didn’t produce what they have for most of the season, which was a little bit unfortunate. Maybe there were a few jitters here and there.
“The way they responded in the second half was testament to them; it was a lot better. We changed things slightly just after the half time whistle and grew into the game before looking to go on and win it. Having said that, Lloyd (Allinson) still had to pull off a couple of saves.
“We knew they’d keep a high line, but we didn’t turn them at all in the first half. The introduction of Rekeil (Pyke), with his power and pace, meant we got down the sides of them. Unfortunately we couldn’t finish off the crosses that came in, but we stretched them in the second half.
“With this group of players, there was just the feeling that we might get a goal as we’d been in this position before. I thought we came through extra time OK, but we missed a couple of opportunities and they missed one as well. I thought we looked pretty fit, although Duane Holmes and Flo (Bojaj) had a bit of cramp; that may be due to a lack of game time. I thought we looked quite strong.”
There were 927 Town fans at the game, including a section from the NSL group – complete with flags!
Frankie continued: “I’m pleased that, as the game went on, we put on a bit of a better showing for the supporters, as it was a great turnout on the evening. Having nearly a thousand people here was fantastic. It might have taken a few of our lads by surprise, but I thought it was magnificent and I’d like to thank the fans for turning up. The atmosphere they created was fitting for a semi-final.”
On the shootout defeat, Bunn admitted:
“We’ve had the positive side of penalty shootouts and tonight we’ve had the other side. We did prepare for them, but you can’t emulate the real thing. We scored all five in the last round against Charlton, but unfortunately Duane and Regan (Booty) missed the first and last tonight.”
Town’s Development Squad still has plenty to play for, level on points with Sheffield United at the top of the Professional Development League 2 North with three games in hand over the Blades.
“We’re quite fortunate, as we still have a league title to go for. We’ve got eight games left and it’s still been a good season. It was a great achievement to reach the semi-final and now we have another game on Monday; a big one away at Charlton. That will be a stiff test for us.
“Now it’s about how we deal with disappointment. We will roll our sleeves up and get ready for Monday, because we’ve still got a lot to play for.”
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