Manager Neil Harris has praised the quality of substitute Aiden O’Brien following FA Cup victory over AFC Fylde at the weekend.
Speaking to the official site in his post game press conference following the three one victory, Harris new that O’Brien had been the key that unlocked the match for us on the day.
‘I’m delighted to get through. I said to the boys beforehand that in the Cup, the most important thing is to get through to the next round, and that’s what we have managed to do. We didn’t play as well as we can in the first-half, and I let the players know that in a constructive manner at the break. The second-half was much better and I’m delighted with the boys. I knew it was going to be difficult, I have seen them and know how good they are and knew how difficult they would make it for us. We were fortunate that we had Aiden O’Brien to bring on and he made a big difference. His quality showed through.’
Harris also praised the fellow goal scorers on the day, saying that their hard work and effort across the game had warranted the reward of getting on the scoresheet.
‘I was also delighted to see Steve Morison and Lee Gregory get on the score-sheet too because they have really worked for it.’
Ending his interviews, the gaffer had praise for Dave Challinor’s side and the way they approached the match because he knows they game it all and gave us a very tough game.
‘You have to be respectful to the opposition, whatever the level, and for the record I thought they were fantastic. They were a credit to the club and the league and they made it really difficult for us. They are a really good side and a club that are going places. I’m sure it won’t be long, just like Fleetwood Town a few years ago, that they are here playing in the Football League.’
Youngster Ben Thompson was also interviewed after the game as he continues to learn the first team ropes.
‘I want to play in every game I can. I’m getting better and better in every game that I play in. The more experience I get is just going to help me further my career.’
As for the game itself, and how difficult a day it was, he went on to say.
‘It wasn’t a great first-half, for me personally and the team, I didn’t think we got hold of the game quick enough, but in the second-half we stuck at it and got the result. There was a lot of criticism from the manager at half-time. I wouldn’t say harsh words, but it was a poor, poor first-half. They told us what to do in the second-half and we just went out and did the job. At the start of the game we said we were going to go out with same intensity as we would at any game, maybe we did slack off a bit, but I thought in the second-half we did well and got the result.’
Vital Millwall on:
Vital Millwall on:
O’Brien Earns Harris Praise
