Steve Barker heaps praise on tactically disciplined Stellies

Left-back Fawaaz Basadien scored from the penalty spot after Downs crumbled under the Stellies attack. 

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Barker says they knew the hosts were not going to roll over and the win speaks to their own quality as a team. 

"Obviously delighted with the scoreline and result, it's never easy to come to this stadium and play such a talented and quality team, and come away with a clean sheet and win," said Barker.

"I just felt that we started the game really well, and we were a little unlucky with one or two transitions not to get an early goal, I think our tactical awareness and discipline was really spot on this evening.

"I thought our tactics of trying to deny them opportunities to control the game totally, we tried to be on the front foot and not allow them to have time and space, and utilise the quality they have on the ball.

"So it was never going to be easy to do that for 90 minutes, obviously they're good enough that in certain situations we pressed and they came out, and we looked a little bit vulnerable, but I can only commend the team for their attitude and commitment this evening.

"I knew we were going to have to suffer during periods of the game, and the players knew it, and those periods of suffering just unites us as a team, and just shows the character this team has.

"And we had to show that in periods of the game – especially the last 15-20 minutes, when Sage Stephens had to pull off some really big saves, so congratulations to him.

"But overall, I think we created enough of our own opportunities and I would like to see the second penalty shout – how close that was or not.

"But to now go away – or 'home' [in Durban] for the second leg with an advantage is a big plus for us, but we're very mindful it's only 'half-time'."

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