Horseman positive after opening day draw

Under-21s head coach David Horseman has taken plenty of positives from our 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on the opening day of our Premier League 2 season.

Just four days after we lost 5-1 to Barnet in the Vertu Trophy, we responded by picking up a point against the Eagles at Boreham Wood.

Zavier Gozo opened the scoring for the visitors before Max Dowman set up Andre Harriman-Annous for his first goal of the campaign and after the match, Horseman was happy with the way his side responded to disappointment in midweek.

"There's always context to any result but I think the boys have done really well to bounce back from the defeat at Barnet.

"I think the boys showed real mentality to stay in the game; it did get end-to-end. Either team probably could have won it, but I'm really pleased with the boys because that's been a physically tough week for them, and we'll be better for this week.

"It was quite an even game, but yes, we could have won it. I think in a couple of games' time, when we get a little bit more rhythm, because these first four games are almost acting like a bit of a pre-season. If we learn a little bit more and improve, then I think in a few weeks we take one of those chances.

"No complaints from me. I think a draw was just about right, although maybe we did shade some of the better opportunities. We were trying to manage and control the game, and we did do that very well."

The goal came just over a minute after Horseman moved Harriman-Annous into central striker from the left-hand side as he latched onto Dowman's through ball before producing a fine finish.

Speaking on Andre's performance, Horseman said: "I thought first half we got Andre in behind with some chip passes from the middle third. Andre is quick, and he can play wide, he can play nine. We're still figuring out what his best long-term position will be.

"It was an unbelievable touch, and through ball, and some superb composure to dink the goalkeeper himself.

"I'm really pleased with Dre. I'm really pleased with all the boys, and that after a tough game, they came back and showed a bit of character in the group."