Ilford boss Adam Peek was full of praise for Benfleet as he reflected on his sides performance after a penalty win was needed to ensure the Foxes progress to the first-round proper of the FA Vase.
A solid penalty shoot-out display from young goalkeeper Josh Blackburn saw Ilford progress to the first-round proper of the FA vase. Despite only missing one, and expertly dispatching the rest, Ilford didn’t prepare for the eventuality of penalties. “We didn’t practice penalties, we had a game mid-week so couldn’t prepare, but luckily I had six boys put their hand up, so that was good that the confidence was there”
Speaking after his side came from a goal down, Peek wasted no time in praising the visitors, and how well drilled they were, frustrating the Essex Senior League outfit. “But fair play to them, they came in to the first half and imposed themselves on the game, they made it difficult, their system was difficult to manage”
Reflecting on the first half, in which Benfleet dominated and took a 1-0 lead, Peek was unhappy with viewing his side showed. “It took us too long to get into the game, we didn’t really get out of first or second gear”
Despite showing strong character in coming from a goal behind and comfortably winning a penalty shoot-out, Peek was keen to point out the negatives from the good comeback. “I would’ve liked to have won it in normal time, I see it as a draw, the fact is we’re through”
Spring board for the season
On being a possible catalyst to finally kickstart their season, “If we’d have lost, it would’ve hurt, but hopefully this gives us the confidence going into the league”.
Ilford have been on the wrong side of the results recently, losing their last two league matches and shipping plenty of goals along the way. This game against Benfleet was seen as a must-win for the Foxes, keeping tight at the back and eradicating silly mistakes that end up costing them. “I asked for a much better defensive performance”, after too many easy goals have been shipped in recent weeks.
Ilford continue their league campaign against unbeaten Cockfosters on Wednesday night, at Cricklefield stadium, with the club hoping to turn their fortunes around against the team to beat.
