Holden points to Mapps to show city the way

Up for the fight

Having lost 2-0 at Ashton Gate to Millwall less than six weeks ago, Holden knew what to expect, explaining: “You’ve got to give credit to Millwall, it’s a tough nut to crack and we needed to make sure that we were up for the physical battle, we needed to make sure we were aggressive in the way that we played on those turnovers particularly. And once we regained possession I thought we played some really good stuff right throughout the game.

Build-up to goals

“I think there were two passages of play particularly in the first off: one where Famara has got in and didn't quite get his shot off and then the second one leads to the penalty which is executed brilliantly. That gets you in the lead and gives you confidence and with Nahki’s goal – the deflected free kick – he’s hit one first off which I thought was going top corner so you've got to hit the target which he did. The third goal is as good a goal as you’ll see - Nahki’s vision first and then execution to find Antoine and for him to take the space like he did and drive past the defender and what a clinical finish it was.

Nahki Wells

"I think his all-round general play was good today. His link-up play was good, he was on the turn looking for opportunities to pass and follow and get in the box and he deserves his goal for his performance.”

Semenyo thrills

Semenyo was a livewire throughout - celebrating his goal with a backflip – and Holden reflected: “There's nothing like learning in our matchday experience. Training is training, listening to coaches bores you to death sometimes! There’s nothing like going into an experience and feeling what it’s like and he should take so much confidence, not just from his performance, but from that finish on his left foot which was fantastic.”

Owura debut

It was another day to remember for the Edwards family with Academy product Owura following brother Opi earlier this season in making his City debut. Holden added: “He’s a livewire, isn’t he? He’s been out on loan, he’s had some really good games for Grimsby and he's come back and it'll be a day I'll never forget, the same for Belly (Sam Bell) for his FA Cup debut as well. It’s great to get these lads involved. It’s disappointing that I couldn’t get Riley (Towler) and Sam Pearson on as well but they are learning every day and there’s opportunities for these young players at this club.”

Max factor

Max O’Leary returned to the scene of City’s 2-1 triumph in April 2019, at the ground where he saved a penalty. This was another day to remember at the Den for O'Leary. and Holden enthused: “He made some good saves right throughout the afternoon and at important times. He managed the game well, particularly in that second half, his options were good with his kicking at times. We know we can trust Max and when we need to bring him in, as we did today, he always does a job for us.”

Huddersfield next challenge

“It’s an exciting challenge for us, a Premier League team in Sheffield United and a chance for us to go and pit our wits against them. Every opportunity you have to get through to the next round and see how far you can go, that’s the carrot for the players. But our first thought is Huddersfield and all our effort and all the recovery has to be get ourselves ready for a league game on Tuesday.”

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