Barnsley were delighted with a ‘good and professional’ performance in a 3-0 home win over Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup and now want to face a Premier League giant in the third round.
Devante Cole, Adam Phillips and Josh Benson got the goals in a comfortable victory against the League Two visitors.
Coach Martin Devaney told the Chronicle: “We’re very happy with the result and performance. We know Crewe are a good side. They changed their shape from what we thought they would do. But I thought we dealt with it well and played some good football.
“At half-time we spoke about being ruthless and better in the last third and keeping our concentration. But the two goals came quickly after half-time and we could protect some of three players who have been playing a lot, and bring young lads on. All-round it was a good and professional performance.”
Who does Devaney want in the third round?
“Hopefully it can be a big game against a big club. It would bring a lot more fans in, it would be great for the players and important for the club.”
Benson added: “I will take any team but I wouldn’t mind a Prem team or my old club Arsenal.
"We’ve seen over the years there can be upsets in the FA Cup and we knew it wouldn’t be easy. We’re happy with the performance. Maybe we could have scored more goals or created more chances but we’re happy to be in the next round. It was good to keep the momentum going with goals and wins.
“I was happy to be out there playing and getting a goal.”
Cole opened the scoring with his sixth of the season after half an hour. Devaney said: “His performances have been really really good this year. Strikers want goals and six is a good return at the minute. But he has to stay hungry, keep working hard in training and score more. But we are really pleased for him.”
Phillips’ goal was his fourth of the month. Devaney said: “Adam was out of the team then got in. We talk about if you get the shirt, keep the shirt. He’s certainly done that with his goal return and also his performances. We have really good midfielders. It’s very competitive. But Adam is on good form and long may it continue.”
Benson, usually a midfielder, played at right wing-back – due to an injury to Jordan Williams – and capped a good display with a penalty for 3-0.
Devaney said: “Josh has got on with it. He performed really well with good crosses and his defensive discipline. It’s food for thought. Let’s see what happens moving forward.”
Williams has a ‘slight knock’ but Devaney said Barnsley were hopeful he could play at Peterborough on Friday. Striker James Norwood came off with a dead leg.
Barnsley gave 17-year-old midfielder Theo Chapman his debut in the 86th minute. Devaney said: “It’s about bringing the young players in at the right time. He’s done well so he’s been rewarded. We finished the game with a very young team. It puts us in a good place with a good feel at the club.”
