Brian Barry-Murphy pleased with early work at Cardiff
And it continued City's unbeaten start to the season after picking up four points in two League One fixtures.
'Really pleased, it means a lot to me to get through to the next round and to see who we could possibly take on,' said Barry-Murphy.
'This competition creates so many brilliant occasions but to get to those occasions you have to go through the rounds.
'So to win tonight was very important for us and we treated the game really seriously and I thought there was respect in that performance so I'm happy.
'We're in the very early stages of working together, we've figured out we have only trained for 25 days.
'So that's a very small period of time in terms of trying to build something together.'
Despite defeat, Swindon boss Ian Holloway was happy with his team's second-half performance.
He said: 'I was glad for the second half, really, and I'm glad half-time came when it did. I was a boxer, I don't think I've ever been punched so many times with their shape, with their structure, and they changed it when we blocked them off.
'Massive credit to their manager and their team, to what they did and their patterns, and when we blocked theirs, they changed it. And they changed it so we couldn't live with it, with the team that I had out there.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Press and Journal
2 hours ago
- Press and Journal
Caley Thistle 2-0 Peterhead: Managers' reaction, key points and ratings as ICT maintain perfect League One start
Caley Thistle boss Scott Kellacher hailed his perfect League One starters as they rose into positive points with a 2-0 home win against Peterhead. David Wotherpoon shot ICT in front just before half-time after goalkeeper Jack Newman had denied them several times. On-loan Livingston winger Liam Sole added another early in the second half to cap a comfortable afternoon. After starting the season on -5 points due to last year's administration, they are now in seventh place, on one point. Kellacher felt although it was not an all-round sparkling show, they were worthy winners against capable opponents. He said: 'It was important for us to get off to a good start this season. 'We got the win last week against Kelty Hearts, but it was good to win here as we struggled a wee bit at home last season. 'I didn't think we were at our best, but we managed the game well. It's a game last year, if not at our best, we would maybe have drawn. 'We got our goal and we then controlled the game. It was a slow start and the conditions played a part, with it being windy and the pitch being a wee bit sticky, although I won't blame the pitch. 'We couldn't get the ball down and moving quickly, but we kicked on when we scored. 'We then wanted to go on the font foot to get that second goal. 'Peterhead had some waves of attack. They are good on the transition. When they win the ball back, they break with pace. 'They're a good side and they kept going until the end. It was a good game, but we managed it well. 'We could just be a wee bit more clinical with our final pass or ball into the box but I am delighted. 'We have won 2-0 at home with two clean sheets so far. You can't ask for much more than that.' Peterhead co-boss Ryan Strachan says his players lost out to a side capable of going all the way to promotion. He said: 'We fell short. Inverness were bigger, fitter and quicker and technically better. 'They has more in-game knowledge than us today. I thought we could have given a better account of themselves. 'They are full-time, we're part-time club that trains once a week. 'They are expected to win the league – we're not. 'Sometimes you have to credit a team. Inverness will be the benchmark and will be up there come the end of the season. A few more teams will struggle here. 'We were well beaten and we can accept that. Against part-time teams, we're equally as sharp. There was a wee bit more of a gulf here. 'We've got our own internal targets and ambitions. Playing against Caley Thistle is not going to define us. 'I'd be surprised if they're not lifting a trophy in 10 months' time. That's where they are, as a full-time team.' Ex-Dundee United full-back Flynn Duffy played as a trialist for Peterhead, having been on loan with the Balmoor club in 2004. Strachan hopes the 21-year-old defender, who had a short stint at ICT last year before being let go due to administration, could soon come on board. He said: 'We have had Flynn for a number of weeks now. He is a really good player. 'We want to keep him, but the contract talks have broken down a number of times, but I think we're really close now. 'We still need one more, a central defender. In terms of height and physicality, we're probably the smallest team in the league. 'Flynn doesn't need to prove himself in terms of his ability, but it's about having the budget…but we're close and hopefully we can get something sorted this week.' Inverness stuck with the starters who earned the 3-0 opening day win at Kelty, while Peterhead – fresh from their 4-1 victory against East Fife – brought Jack Brown and Duffy into their team. This first meeting between the clubs on SPFL league business was sure to be of interest, with a chance to continue to build upon the early momentum. Inverness carved open the first close call when Luis Longstaff worked his way inside from the left, picking out on-loan Aberdeen midfielder Alfie Stewart, whose drive was blocked and cleared. It was patient but focused attacking lay from ICT, but the Blue Toon were maintaining their shape well. Peterhead's first real venture forward saw Kieran Shanks break into the box, but Remi Savage was on hand to win the challenge. Newman, who was on loan at ICT from Dundee United before also being freed when administration hit last year, kept the scores blank when he raced out to deny Billy Mckay, who superbly broke through on goal on the half hour mark. Wotherspoon then drew a stop from Newman before Andrew McCarthy responded in kind when Ross Munro gathered the midfielder's shot. Newman was in action again when he saved from Stewart, whose effort from long-range was on target. However, he could do nothing about the opening goal. A surge down the left-side by ex-Hibs kid Oscar McIntyre was followed by his pin-point cross which Wotherspoon crashed home from close range with a low shot. Nine minutes into the second half, ICT doubled their advantage and it came from the determination of Longstaff. His angled drive was pushed away by Newman, but the in-rushing Sole reacted quickly to score from close range. Unfortunately for Sole, an injury forced him off moments later, replaced by Aberdeen loanee Alfie Bavidge. And Bavidge nearly got in on the scoring only to slide a shot wide before Newman pushed away a net-bound Mckay shot as ICT chased a third goal. Peterhead never let their heads drop and a late Seb Ross effort came off the post for their closest moment to scoring. These sides now kick off their KDM Evolution Trophy group campaign on Tuesday, with ICT visiting League Two Elgin City, and Peterhead hosting Aberdeen B. Munro 6, MacLeod 6, Savage 6, Devine 6, MacIntyre 7, Wotherspoon 7 (Alonge 90), Chalmers 6, Stewart 7 (Allan 60), Longstaff 7, Mckay 7 (Zimba 88), Sole 7 (Bavidge 60). Subs not used: Ross (GK), Robertson, Strachan, Thompson, Clark. : Newman 7, Strachan 6, Forrest 6, Jason Brown 6, Trialist 6, Smith 6 (Ross 60), Forrest 6, McCarthy 7 (Carnwath, 82), Jack Brown 6 (McGuffie 60), Shanks 6 (McGinn 71), Barry 7 (Colloty 71). Subs not used: Oluyemi (GK), Mackie. Referee: Iain Snedden. Attendance: 2078. Man of the match: Oscar MacIntyre.
Press and Journal
2 hours ago
- Press and Journal
ANALYSIS: Ross County boss Don Cowie seeks to find formula to beat Partick Thistle and stave off fans' calls for dugout change?
Ross County must wait until a week on Saturday to try and right the wrongs of their stuttering start to the season. The focus for boss Don Cowie and his coaching staff is to get their new-look squad up to speed in time for hosting Partick Thistle again – this time in the Championship. The Jags recently had a successful trip to the Global Energy Stadium, winning 3-1 on July 26 and ending the Staggies' interest in the Premier Sports Cup. Thistle, under the leadership of Mark Wilson, who assisted Brian Graham last season, won all four cup group stage ties and host Championship rivals Ayr United in the second round of the competition this weekend. County's 1-0 loss to flying Championship starters St Johnstone on Friday was a sore one. A misjudgment by goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw led to Saints substitute Uche Ikpeazu planting a late winner into the net to push the Perth team already five points clear of their expected main title rivals (and fellow relegated Premiership club) County. Cowie's team had kicked off their league campaign with a 2-2 draw at Airdrieonians, a result which was a bitter blow after County deservedly built up a two-goal cushion thanks to two headed goals from defender Akil Wright. The Dingwall club came down via the relegation play-off defeat against Livingston – despite having a two-goal lead in the second leg, at home. They lost 3-2 and Davie Martindale's Lions took their place. This is only the second time in 14 seasons that County have been in the second tier rather than the top-flight. In 2018-19, under Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson, they won the Championship. Two 10th-placed Premiership finishes followed before Malky Mackay, who took over from John Hughes, guided them into the top six just three years ago. Three successive seasons ending in a relegation play-off caught up with County. Their unforgettable comeback triumph against Partick Thistle in the play-off final in 2023 was followed 12 months later by a no-nonsense win against Raith Rovers. That particular 6-1 aggregate victory secured Cowie the manager's job on a permanent basis after he seemed to turn fortunes following Derek Adams being sacked. Livingston, however, were too strong, having almost caught Championship winners Falkirk for top spot in the end. County fixed up a bounce game away to Derek McInnes' Premiership high-fliers Hearts on Tuesday, which ended in an 8-1 loss. The plan is, however, to add another closed-door match before hosting Partick on August 23. Like County, the Glasgow side are on one point after crashing to a 5-1 opening day defeat at St Johnstone then drawing 1-1 with Morton at the weekend. There is clear disquiet among a sizable portion of County fans over results, which stretch far beyond this season. Their team have not won a league fixture since a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock on March 1, with League One Queen of the South and League Two Edinburgh City the only opponents they have beaten since then. With 13 new players arriving, amid a massive personnel turnover, even the experienced pros need a little time to gel. Winger Gary Mackay-Steven and midfielder Jamie Lindsay need more game-time as they play catch-up, while captain Connor Randall only came into action when the league kicked off, with a pre-season head knock meaning he had to sit out the Premier Sports Cup games. Former County midfield star Cowie is desperate to find a winning formula and has been well backed by chairman Roy MacGregor and chief executive Steven Ferguson to add the players he wanted. The goal was clear from day one – get back to the Premiership in 2026 at all costs. While many fans feel now is the ideal time to make a tough decision to let Cowie go, the chances are there will be no axe falling this or next week. Instead, Cowie's team, desperate to turn around their fortunes, have their eyes fixed on beating Thistle before a trip to Neil Lennon's Dunfermline Athletic on August 30.
Press and Journal
2 hours ago
- Press and Journal
EXCLUSIVE: Aberdeen's Stuart Glennie - We see 'difference' in players from club's new youth football approach already
Aberdeen academy chief Stuart Glennie has told The Press and Journal why their decision to expose youth players to competitive men's football at a younger age is already making a difference. The Dons announced last month they were withdrawing from the Club Academy Scotland under-19 programme and focusing their attention on the SFA's new co-operation agreements with lower league clubs. The move has been made as the club shifts its focus from the traditional youth development by placing a greater emphasis on getting teenagers out to clubs and involved in the men's game as quickly as possible. The Dons have sent three players to Kelty Hearts and Elgin City respectively after entering into co-operation agreements, while others are on loan at Arbroath, Caley Thistle and Highland League clubs. Many of the Aberdeen youngsters were back together representing their parent club in the KDM Evolution Trophy game at Peterhead on Tuesday, fighting back from 2-0 down to level the game before eventually losing 4-2 to the League One side. Dons youth academy director Stuart Glennie believes the young players are already benefiting from the new approach. He said: 'I think what we've certainly seen, even with the guys that have been out on loan, the ones that have played a good amount of minutes, you can maybe see a wee bit of a difference. 'But we realise now we still need to look after those boys that are out and maybe haven't played as many minutes. 'They are still going to have to compete and push to get minutes at their clubs and play. 'But they're going to also train with experienced players on a week-in, week-out basis. 'That's going to help them through that as well. You can even see the positive impact that has had on some of the boys already. '(Centre-half) Lewis Carrol was excellent and gave everything. He was really tested and went down with cramp, but I think that reflects the shift he put in. 'It's not going to be easy, and we are asking a lot of these lads. 'It's going to be difficult along the way because some of these guys that we've got in prepare, some of them will be involved maybe with our clubs tomorrow. So, yes, it's what we're trying to work towards.' Youth coach Stuart Duff took charge of the Aberdeen B team for their first of six group stage games at Balmoor Stadium on Tuesday. Fifteen of the 18 players in the squad have been sent out to other clubs by Aberdeen with goalkeeper Rodrigo Vitols, right-back Dylan Lobban and substitute central defender Jay Henderson the only players still on Aberdeen's books. In Henderson's case, his age is the only reason he hasn't joined his older team-mates. Glennie said: 'Jay, who is a 15 year-old centre-back, would be out on loan as well if he wasn't too young to actually do that. 'But games like Tuesday are exactly what we want. It's going to be a real challenge for these guys over these next six games. 'If you look at the team which played Peterhead, we had two older players in Dylan Lobban and Alfie Stewart. 'But we had to make a sub early in the first half, which meant we played with a 15-year-old centre-back and we had 16-year-olds coming on at half-time. 'The majority of that team is 16 and 17-year-olds and that's what we want to see. 'The biggest thing for me is just how they've come out in the second half and how they've played. 'A couple of mistakes were made, but that's going to happen at that age. 'We just wanted the bravery to come out against an established, experienced League One club and it was pleasing to see the boys play the way they did especially in the second half.' Lobban, who turns 20 later this month, was named captain of the team while midfielder Stewart, who turned 19 two weeks ago, returned from his loan at Caley Thistle, to help his younger team-mates in the competition (fellow loanee Alfie Bavidge played and scored for ICT in the competition on Tuesday night). Lobban and Stewart, despite still being teenagers themselves, are expected to pass on the experience they have gained to the other players in the squad. Glennie said: 'Alfie and Dylan are slightly older ones and we are looking at them becoming leaders. 'I was talking to some of the senior management at half-time and we were talking about how the boys were quite quiet in the first half. 'We were saying that's what's going to improve. If they do that at their current clubs, they're going to have experienced seasoned pros not allowing them to do it a second and third time. 'On the pitch, maybe we're still young and not putting that demand on each other. 'We're obviously trying to put demands on them. We need to get that, and that's where Alfie and Dylan are good for that. 'It helps them with their leadership skills. They're obviously trying to push to the next stage and as Stuart said to them in there, this is about you guys, coming in and realising that these young boys are now coming in.'
