York City win is a 'really good way to start', says Crawley Town defender

Goals from Gianmarco Di Biase and Danilo Orsi saw Reds progress to first round of the Carabao Cup where they will face Watford on Saturday.

The former Charlton defender, who began the game as skipper, was one of only four players who remained from last season that started the game at the LNER Community Stadium.

But you would not have know Crawley were the team that had nine new signings take part on the night.

They played as a unit and even when they were under a bit of pressure in the second half, they stuck together to get an impressive result.

And Barker was pleased to get off to a winning start to the season. He said: “You want to get off on the front foot and we started the game really well. Obviously, we got the goal. Hopefully, that can just kick us on for the season, put everyone into a good mood, boosted their confidence.”

“I think it's a really good way to start.”

The club have made 15 signings so far in the summer window but Barker believes they have got the right people in for the squad. “I think it helps if it's just a really good bunch of people as well,” he said. “Everyone's got on from the off, which definitely helps when building relationships. Priestley [Farquharson] has come in as a new player, done really well.

"Ade's [Adeyemo] gone to the left, so different for him, done really well. Obviously, Vito's [Mannone] come in and given us that experience and know-how behind us, which is really nice to have.”

The defence was particularly impressive at York with some brilliant last-ditch tackles and blocks. Barker said: “That's our job. Keep clean sheets and keep the ball out the net. We've done that really well tonight. Obviously, they had a few chances, but they're a good side. They're going to get chances, but we affected it really well. We blocked everything.

“I thought we have as a back line clicked really well. Look, we've got some good players that aren't starting in that back line that can come in at any time when they're needed.”

Reds have a big squad now and with nine of them taking part in the York game, and impressing, head coach Colin Kazim-Richards is going to have his work cutout with selection going into Saturday’s match with Watford then the League season.

But Barker said: “That's what you want. You want that competitiveness, it builds a culture in training. That's what makes a good team. It's not the 11 that you're trusting to play. It's everyone around it that makes training better, makes the environment better and it just shows that anyone can come into the team.

“If you get the opportunity, you've got to come in and keep your spot because there are a lot of good players that will come in and be hard to get out of the team.”