REDFEARN HAILS CLINICAL FIRST HALF

REDFEARN HAILS CLINICAL FIRST HALF

Neil Redfearn reflects on the 3-1 win over Blackpool...

United head coach Neil Redfearn hailed his side’s first-half display and says the result was the most important thing as they secured a 3-1 win over Blackpool at Elland Road.

All three of United’s goals came inside a resounding opening 45 minutes for the hosts thanks to efforts from Liam Cooper, Souleymane Doukara and Mirco Antenucci.

The tempo slowed in the second half and Blackpool threatened to force a way back into the game through Nile Ranger’s header, but Redfearn’s men saw off some late pressure to keep the scoreline intact.

"I thought were excellent in the first half," said the head coach.

"Some of the touches, the passing and the movement and the way we countered and moved the ball up the pitch, I thought it was different class.

"The second half was a bit of a damp squib but the important thing was that the result came on the back of a really good first-half performance.

"We talked about it in the week – turning out in midfield and playing forward – simple things.

"If they’ve got a forward pass, then we play it. Then we get people who are prepared to run off the back of it and support.

"I thought they did that really, really well, particularly first half.

"In the second half we just lost our way a little bit but this is a side that’s just come off the back of I don’t know how many games without a win.

"To produce a performance like that in the first half and then finish with a 3-1 victory, you’ve got to be pleased."

Redfearn is also hoping that a settled side can help bring some consistency again, as he made one change from the midweek draw at Charlton.

"I think the thing today is, apart from Pearce coming in for Bellusci, it was the same side that played on Tuesday night," he said.

"We’re trying to get a little bit of continuity and put things down so it works week-in-week-out.

"It’s still two forward and one back. They’re looking a little bit more like they should be looking now.

"They’re playing with that bit of passion and the football’s good."

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