Nigel Adkins delighted to see Sheffield United progress
ByPA Sport Report
Published 01/09/2015 at 21:09 GMT
Nigel Adkins missed the opening minutes of Sheffield United's dramatic Johnstone's Paint Trophy win at Hartlepool - but the Blades boss was around to see the 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory.
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Following a 1-1 draw, the sides had to be separated by penalties, and two misses from Pools proved decisive.
However, the evening started on a disappointing note for Adkins, who suffered transfer-deadline frustration.
He was locked in talks with a target, a move which fell through, and admitted: "The objective was to get through and we did it.
"I missed the beginning of the game and listened to the radio as we were driving.
"We almost got someone in - I was close enough to miss the start of the game!
"We work hard with players behind the scenes and we have had a chance to get players in, but we want better quality and were working hard to get a couple of players over the line from a higher level.
"One player went down the line and we worked really hard, but it hasn't happened."
Of the game, won by James McEveley's spot kick after Pools striker Scott Fenwick cancelled out Ryan Flynn's opener, Adkins added: "I'm really pleased to go through and I felt we looked solid at the back.
"The competition helps the fringe players and increases competition for places.
"Looking through the next few months we have some talented players to come back - it's like having new players and we look forward to that.
"It was a competitive game against good opposition and we got valuable game time to build on the momentum.
"We gifted them a soft goal which annoyed me, but it was exciting at the end with penalties."
Hartlepool boss Ronnie Moore saw his side grow into the game after a slow start and said: "For penalties, we find out who the brave ones are - even with 2,000 in it's still a long way to the penalty spot.
"You want to scream and shout when they miss it, but they have the guts. Pick your spot, don't change your mind and whack it. The two we missed were simple side-footers.
"We missed some key players in there, I cannot fault the effort and commitment and we adapted well.
"We played good, bright counter-attacking football. I'm disappointed we are out, but we played a top side."
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