PUBLISHED
19:03 4th January 2014
They are part of a squad we are really proud of here at the club and one we aim to keep together"
Nathan Jones
Nathan Jones praised full debutants Solly March and Adam Chicksen after Oscar Garcia handed the pair their first starts for the club in an impressive 1-0 win over Reading at the Amex.Nathan Jones
The assistant head coach also heralded the strength of the Albion squad, telling seagulls.co.uk, "It was a fantastic performance. In the first half we were as dominant as we have been here all season; we were fluent and patient and it was very, very pleasing.
"It was especially pleasing seeing the younger players Adam Chicksen and Solly March do so well. It has been tough for them because they have had to be patient: training hard, working well and showing a great attitude.*
"They have played in the under-21 squad which has proved its worth as when those players have been called upon, they have been fantastic. They are part of a squad we are really proud of here at the club and one we aim to keep together."
The one-goal margin didn't accurately portray Albion's dominance, as the Seagulls rattled the woodwork three times, just as they did against Bournemouth on New Year's Day, and visiting keeper Adam Federici pulled off a string of saves.*
"We are contemplating changing the crossbars, and making them a bit thinner," quipped Jones after being quizzed about the woodwork getting in the way during the last two matches.
"Joking aside, I am sure the performance showed how important the game was to us. This game was as important as any league match and with Championship opponents we knew we would have to be at it.*
"We know how much the Cup means to the fans and it was great to see another fantastic turn-out from the crowd who got right behind the team and sung their hearts out.*
"This is a great place to come to with fans like that. The Amex crowd are outstanding in the way that they support the Albion week in, week out.*
"We realise the importance of the crowd and I hope we continue to fill it each week and that we can give the performances on the pitch so that the fans can see we are a team worth supporting."
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