Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker was disappointed to walk away from Orlando Stadium with just a point.
Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker was disappointed to walk away from Orlando Stadium with just a point.
The Western Cape outfit claimed a point at Orlando Stadium, with new signing Judas Moseamedi coming off the bench to net the equaliser.
"Obviously we had a great start to the game, getting the early goal," Barker told SuperSport TV.
"But as the first-half went on I thought Pirates' shape and their formation was causing problems. They had a back three and they had overloads in wide areas mostly on the right but also on the left-hand side so we were a little bit on the backfoot and had to deal with those situations.
"It was one of those that we needed to get into half-time and readjust. Then obviously Pirates got the red card. They had to make a tactical change which totally changed my half-time team talk. Going into halftime team talk it was more about having the extra man won't guarantee you the game. You still have to work it. We had to find a way to move the ball around quicker. Because they would play deeper and on transition.
"And then we come out and concede a set piece goal which was uncharacteristic for us. That was unfortunate to go down early second half. We then made a tactical change bringing on Robyn and Judas. We then started stretching them and getting ore joy in wide areas. Moving the ball around and then obviously we got the second goal.
"Thereafter I felt we created the better chances. (Stanley) Dimgba's header on the six-yard line, anywhere left or right and it's a goal. And then Devin Titus getting the chance at the end. They were a little bit dangerous on counterattack and sometimes the high ball which we didn't always deal with. There was always that threat that they could catch us even though we were dominating possession and creating the chances.
Barker felt there were enough chances at the end to claim three points with the Buccaneers down to 10 men.
"All in all, away from home against Pirates to get a point normally you would be really pleased about it. But today a little bit disappointed. Feels like two points loss. On the positive side both our strikers getting on the scoresheet which is a big plus for us. And then youngsters like Antonio van Wyk and Devin Titus getting an opportunity.
"It was our first competitive game, whereas Pirates had a couple with the Carling Black Label and the MTN8. Little bit disappointed. Today was an opportunity to get maximum points."
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