David Artell has praised the response of George Cooper since he was left out against Pompey
David Artell has praised the response of George Cooper after he was left out of our superb 1-0 win at Portsmouth back on 4th March. Cooper was left out for tactical reasons for midfielder Ryan Wintle and after Artell kept the same team for the home game against Newport County, Cooper returned to the team against Crawley and has been excellent since.
The Academy graduate has been in game-changing form and it was his skill that created both goals at Carlisle at the weekend. He produced a sublime through ball for Callum Cooke to run on to and volley us in front and his step over in the second half created a decisive second goal for Jordan Bowery to tap home.
Artell told the club’s official web-site: “George produced two moments of great skill. You don’t see that very often in League Two but that is what George can do. He has lifted the ball over the Carlisle defence and the level of deception and execution of pass was top drawer.
“He then produced a step over to leave the defender behind and he has passed it across the six yard box and Jordan couldn’t miss. It was put on a plate.
“George was gutted not to start at Portsmouth but his response has been terrific. He was the best player on the pitch at Crawley. He ran his socks off. It was the best I have ever seen him play.
“It is not just George either. We have two or three players, who are producing assists and scoring goals. They are doing their jobs and that is very pleasing as a manager.”