Calderwood lauds Aston Villa’s resilience after victory over Sheffield United - 7M sport

Calderwood lauds Aston Villa’s resilience after victory over Sheffield United



Posted Wednesday, January 31, 2018 by PA

Calderwood lauds Aston Villa’s resilience after victory over Sheffield United

Aston Villa assistant Colin Calderwood praised his side’s resilience after they weathered pressure from Sheffield United before Robert Snodgrass struck a last-minute winner to give them a 1-0 victory.

United’s Jack O’Connell went close to scoring in the sixth minute when his header from a Lee Evans corner crashed against the bar.

Villa keeper Sam Johnstone kept out efforts from Leon Clarke, George Baldock (twice), James Wilson and John Fleck.

Villa’s James Chester headed wide from a Snodgrass corner and Jack Grealish curled a 20-yard effort which went just wide of Simon Moore’s left-hand post.

Snodgrass snatched victory for Villa inside the last minute of the game, cutting inside and curling a fine effort beyond Moore in front of the jubilant visiting fans.

In stoppage time, O’Connell went close to equalising with a header from a Ricky Holmes cross which was tipped over by Johnstone.

Calderwood said: “It wasn’t as we’d have wanted, especially in the first half and when it’s not perfect, you’ve got to get through it.

“We found ourselves on the back foot but we dug in and got through that period and it was an excellent result. We’ve dug in and got three points away from home out of nothing spectacular.

“We had to be better with the ball and as the game opened up in the second half, I thought we were slightly better. You’ve got to get yourself in a position to contend, which we did.

“Our goalkeeper played really well, made some good saves and with Snods it wasn’t a chance – it was the quality that wins the game.

“The players have certainly been at it in training and in matches for a long time this season.

“Sheffield United will feel pretty aggrieved about not taking anything from the game.”

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said: “They’ve got quality and it was always going to be decided by a bit of quality.

“They’ve got top-end players who perhaps shouldn’t be playing in the Championship.

“We are a decent side but we want to be a decent side and win.

“We’re a team that goes for it and I’m not going to change my approach. I wanted to win the game.

“Their goalkeeper made more saves than ours and kept them in the game.

“I thought we dominated the first half. We started the second half on the back foot and that gave them a bit more belief.

“Unfortunately, they found a winner from a player who’s played in the top division and played for his country.

“They’ve got really good players and that was an even contest so that delights me.

“Their reaction at the end showed that they felt it was a big result for them.”

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