Mark Jackson: Our grit desire and togetherness shone through

Mark Jackson: Our grit desire and togetherness shone through

U23s head coach on Derby County win.

Mark Jackson gave his thoughts to LUTV after seeing his side earn their second victory of the Premier League 2 Division One season.

The Whites came from behind twice to return to winning ways, thanks to goals from Crysencio Summerville, Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt.

“What a tough game, against a good opposition in Derby, they caused us a lot of problems throughout the game,” Jackson explained.

“I’m pleased for the boys that they’ve come through it, as I didn’t think we deserved to come away from Monday’s game [against Spurs] with nothing.

“I thought our grit, desire and our togetherness really shone through and enabled us to get the three points tonight.

“We showed good character to come from behind, but we need to sharpen up defensively and not concede as many chances like we did tonight.”

Gelhardt was introduced at the break and was the match winner for Jackson’s side, scoring the only goal of the second half in the 3-2 win.

Jackson said: “He’s a strong player. He gave us that focal point when he came on and scored a great individual goal out of nothing.

“Overall we are pleased with the victory but there’s things we can work on and get better at, and that’s what we’re here to do.

“We are fully confident as a group that we can compete at this level, we want to play against the best Under 23s players in country.”

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