Andy Williams reflects on the victory over Scotland
Monday 16 April 2012By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:49:17
Andy Williams
esfa.co.uk caught up with the England Under 18 Schools' Team Manager, Andy Williams, for his thoughts on Thursday night's victory over Scotland at Newcastle United FC:
Whilst beating Scotland was satisfying in itself, it was the manner of the performance that pleased me most. The squad and the management team would like to proudly dedicate this victory to the Northumberland Schools' FA in this their Centenary Year; not only for hosting this commemorative international, but moreso for their tireless organisation of Schools' Football.
I think the fact that we had entered the game high on confidence following our win at Windsor Park three weeks' ago was evident for all; we had a sense of quiet optimism across the two days. Scotland made the expected strong start and I was pleased with the way that we handled that. Overall I think the first half was pretty much even and fairly tight; Scotland did have a few set-piece opportunities but we also went close on a few occasions. We were encouraged on two fronts going into half-time, firstly that we had acquitted ourselves well and secondly that we knew exactly what we wanted to achieve over the full 90 minutes. To be fair, I think as a management team we scripted the game perfectly and I would like to give huge credit to both Andy Buckingham and Shaun Hemming for their astute technical input.
I thought both goals came at vital times in the second half, and both were extremely well taken. However, I was delighted with our defending throughout; I thought to a man, every player worked incredibly hard in securing the win including those who didn't get minutes on the pitch - their contribution during the build-up and throughout was well received.
I was immensely proud of the way the team showed such maturity in riding on the back of the Northern Ireland result in the spotlight of the Sky Sports cameras. Whilst a game of this prominence provides a huge shop window, it can also bring nerves; my players handled everything around the build-up and the game like seasoned professionals. I am sure the opportunity and the whole learning experience will stand them in good stead for the future.
We enter the final straight now against the Republic of Ireland in two weeks, and for me I enter the final chapter of my ESFA career. Things are bubbling nicely!
