Stephen Ward*praised the morale in the Seagulls' dressing room, stating that it had played a pivotal role in ensuring the team dramatically secured the final play-off position.
The Irishman pulled Brighton & Hove Albion level against Nottingham Forest, before Leo Ulloa’s late winner secured all three points and a top-six finish for Oscar Garcia’s men.
He told seagulls.co.uk, “Everyone is in this together and everyone wants to win - it’s been like that all season, but it particularly showed today. We could have easily folded but to go right to the end is a real credit to the boys.
“I said to the lads before the game that these opportunities don’t come around too often in your career and that we had to make the most of it. We’ve had some ups and downs throughout the season but we’ve stuck at it all the time.
“The squad is very tight knit and everyone gets on. We have a fantastic team spirit and that really pulled us through this afternoon.”
The Seagulls now face third-placed Derby in the play-off semi-final and Ward is aware of the challenge facing the squad, but admits it’s down to the side to ensure they perform.
“We have two tough games against a team that have been fantastic all season and we’ll have to be on our game to turn them over. But it’s all about who turns up on the day now. It’s a one-off chance to get to the Premier League and we’re delighted to be there and hopefully we will make the most of it.”
Ward reserved special praise for striker Craig Mackail-Smith who, despite having a frustrating year with injury, came on in the closing moments of the game to provide Ulloa with the winning assist.
“I was absolutely delighted to see Macca come on, it’s been a frustrating year so it was great to see. We always said that he would have some kind of impact on this season and for him to put a ball in like he did for Leo’s goal was fantastic.”
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The Irishman pulled Brighton & Hove Albion level against Nottingham Forest, before Leo Ulloa’s late winner secured all three points and a top-six finish for Oscar Garcia’s men.
He told seagulls.co.uk, “Everyone is in this together and everyone wants to win - it’s been like that all season, but it particularly showed today. We could have easily folded but to go right to the end is a real credit to the boys.
“I said to the lads before the game that these opportunities don’t come around too often in your career and that we had to make the most of it. We’ve had some ups and downs throughout the season but we’ve stuck at it all the time.
“The squad is very tight knit and everyone gets on. We have a fantastic team spirit and that really pulled us through this afternoon.”
The Seagulls now face third-placed Derby in the play-off semi-final and Ward is aware of the challenge facing the squad, but admits it’s down to the side to ensure they perform.
“We have two tough games against a team that have been fantastic all season and we’ll have to be on our game to turn them over. But it’s all about who turns up on the day now. It’s a one-off chance to get to the Premier League and we’re delighted to be there and hopefully we will make the most of it.”
Ward reserved special praise for striker Craig Mackail-Smith who, despite having a frustrating year with injury, came on in the closing moments of the game to provide Ulloa with the winning assist.
“I was absolutely delighted to see Macca come on, it’s been a frustrating year so it was great to see. We always said that he would have some kind of impact on this season and for him to put a ball in like he did for Leo’s goal was fantastic.”
Original article