2-0 down with ten men Joe’s ‘perfect learning environment’
JOE ACKROYD called being brought on at 2-0 down with ten men for his second Barnsley appearance on Tuesday a ‘perfect learning environment.’
The 19-year-old from Darfield came on after 34 minutes for Herbie Kane in the 3-0 EFL Trophy loss to Lincoln City after James Norwood was sent off.
It was his second appearance for the Reds after January’s FA Cup tie against Barrow, who were 2-0 down at the break with ten men – but this time it was the hosts in that predicament.
Ackroyd told the Chronicle: “It’s character-building and a perfect learning environment. You can either crumble and roll over or you can roll your sleeves up and get stuck in.
“I was just trying to rally the team and get us going, get my foot in and some tackles in.
“It’s my first 60 minutes of the season so, on a personal note, I am pleased.
“But it hurts to lose.
“It’s the bare minimum to keep fighting whether you have eight, ten or 11 men. Not everything goes to plan in life and you have to make the best of a bad situation.”
By the end of the match, the Reds team – especially in midfield and attack – resembled an under 23s side, with a series of teenagers brought off the bench.
Ackroyd said: “It’s good to see lads get a chance.
“They have earned it by performing well in the under 23s.
“In the end I was one of the older players so it was a case of trying to organise my team-mates and give them a helping hand because I remember my first game and it was nerve-racking.”
It was Ackroyd’s first appearance of the season, as he competes with several other midfielders for a place in the first team.
“I just want to keep working hard in my training and see what happens.
“There are some good players in front of me. But that’s good for me. I learn from them in training and try to take bits from their game into mine.
“There is competition but we love a bit of competition.”