Ipswich Town boss Paul Cook heaps praise on midfielder Idris El Mizouni after his sensational goal seals their place in the next round of the FA Cup
Paul Cook was full of praise for midfielder Idris El Mizouni after his sensational goal put Ipswich Town into the second round of the FA Cup.
The Blues were forced into a replay against Oldham Athletic after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Portman Road, in a game that Cook described as the 'worst performance of the year'.
However, after going a goal down at Boundary Park, goals from Conor Chaplin and El Mizouni sealed the win for Ipswich, who will face Barrow in the second round.
"For spells in the first half, we were a little bit all over place. It's always hard when you make so many changes as a manager," Cook said to iFollow Ipswich after the 2-1 win.
"Oldham were very good in both games, but we felt that in stages in the game we must take control of the game and get our passing patterns better. We have to respect the opposition, we are not just going to let them turn up and play."
The Blues were made to work hard to ensure that they were in the second round.
Cook made seven changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Oxford United at the weekend, with Bailey Clements, George Edmundson, Wes Burns and Christian Walton the only players to keep their place.
Oldham took the lead in the 29th minute, as Harrison McGahey headed home Carl Piergianni's initial effort.
Conor Chaplin then levelled the scores for Ipswich seven minutes later, latching onto a fumble by Oldham goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler.
With the game looking like it made to extra-time, El Mizouni's audacious half-volley in front of the travelling support sealed the win for the Blues late in the second half.
The Ipswich boss was delighted for the Tunisian, who signed a new contract at Portman Road last week.
"I am delighted for Idris. He has trained so hard and worked so hard," he said.
"He's a great young man, he trains so well. He has had his moment to score in front of the travelling fans and celebrate again.
"They are big moments for you. That is what you dream about when you are a lad your lad growing up and wanting to be a footballer. Once you have had it you want more of it, and more of it has to come with hard work, work ethic and desire."
The young midfielder added: "It has been a good week for me. I signed a new contract - which I am happy with - but to get the goal, especially the winning goal for Ipswich means a lot for me.
"That's definitely the best goal I have scored in my career."
Ipswich will travel to Sunderland on Saturday, before home games against Rotherham United and Crewe Alexandra in Sky Bet League One.
Paul Cook's side will host League Two Barrow in the next round of the FA Cup on Saturday, December 4.
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