Jaïdi praises clinical young Saints

Saints struck early and late through Marcus Barnes and Michael Obafemi to kick off their Checkatrade Trophy campaign in the best possible fashion, much to the delight of their coach, who had nothing but praise for his team at the final whistle.

“The boys applied themselves, managed the game well and then we imposed ourselves when we needed to,” he said.

“We dealt with Colchester’s direct play and then we backed it up by scoring goals. The most important thing for us is the way we handled the threat and applied ourselves to get the three points. We didn’t feel under pressure at any point in the game.”

Jaidi’s side headed to Essex on a four-match unbeaten run and their confidence showed in front of goal and in forward areas - Barnes and Obafemi both dispatching their chances with aplomb.

“The first and second ball was key for us once we recovered possession and we prepared well for that, it was perfect.

“We knew from the start that we would have opportunities from wide areas or any combinations centrally. The last pass and the finishes for both goals were great.”

More of the same from Saints will stand them in very good stead for the rest of a competition which Jaïdi is keen to progress in.

"I told the boys the further they go, they will be highlighted and they will send big messages to people watching.

“Teams will put pressure on us but we will take it game by game and if we continue the way we did tonight then we can go as far as possible.”