Jose: I just wanted to win and go through

Last updated : 08 January 2005 By Paul Lagan
Well, we made it through, but what a struggle.

An unfamilar line-up, two debutants starting, three with Jiri coming on late - but we are in the hat for the fth round of the FA Cup.

Three-one would seem a realistic result against a League Two side, but with one goal deflected and another an own-goal, we can count our blessings, we are not having a replay or even worse.

Still old Jose, smarting the effects of a cold was just as pragmatic as ever:

“We were lucky,” said the Portuguse manager.

“It did not surprise me the way we played and the way they played.

“I just wanted to win and go through.

“It was the game of their lives, but for us it was just another game.

Watt and Morais did well. And I was very happy with Coles team play.

Irons boss Brian Laws was delighted with his side’s performance but not the result.

“I’m proud of the players and disappointed not to get more out of the game,” he said.

“At 1-1, Chelsea were nervy. At 2-1 we had three great chances through Butler and Taylor. We could have got a draw and we were pressing for an equaliser, the third goal killed us.

“We gave it a go. The big changes he (Mourinho) made probably helped us to a great start. But they stepped up a gear. But we were unlucky. Their first goal was a deflection and the second an own-goal.

Our game plan was to effect their back post and it nearly worked . I’m proud of the players, they were a credit to the town as well.”

Roll on Manchester United on Wednesday.