Goalkeeper reviews Newcastle United win
- Gio Bellagambi reflects on Premier League Cup win
- Young Terrier delighted with team’s progression
- Goalkeeper on third successive clean sheet
B Team goalkeeper Gio Bellgambi believes his team are ready for the knockout stages of the Premier League Cup after the Young Terriers ended Group G unbeaten with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United.
First half goals from Jaheim Headley and Danny Grant ensured a comfortable ending to the group stages at the John Smith’s Stadium, something Bellagambi says was important.
“I don’t think it was our best performance of the group stage, but it was professional – we got the goals, and the boys did really well.
“Worthy explained to us during the week that we want to end the group stage at the top, unbeaten, and to not lose any games to set a marker for the rest of the teams, and we did that tonight.
“It is down to all the staff and the players - I think everyone just worked hard together and it was a team result.
“The boys are all up for it and we want to win the competition. We believe we can - we have a strong set of lads who work hard every day. The opportunity is there, and we want to take it with both hands.
“Our performances are a reflection of our whole season. We were working hard in pre-season to set us up correctly and now we are delivering.
“We have to maintain our concentration for the next cup game; even in the friendly games, we have to win those games, perform well, and make sure we are ready and prepared for the knockout stages.”
Bellagambi has now kept three straight clean sheets for the B Team, making several superb stops on the evening.
Another part of the 20-year-old’s game is his sweeper ‘keeper role, which is something he believes helps him stand out amongst a group of talented goalkeepers at the Club.
“I have enjoyed my football when I have been playing.
“It was a tough start to the season with an injury in pre-season, but I think I have got back into it well.
"I'm working hard on the training pitch with Paul Clements and the First Team ‘keepers, and I think that I am improving every day which is the main thing.
“I think the sweeper side of my game comes more from instinct; I work on it more in games and with the analysis with the coaches to see how it works best for the team.
“I think it is a strong part of my game, but there are other sides I can improve a lot with, and I am working on those.
“It is something that lets me show my individuality and to express myself and that’s what football is all about.
“Even when goalkeeper – and you may think you just stay in the net and save shots – it allows you to express yourself.”
