Rico Richards has been happy with his goal contributions for the PL2 side this term, and is looking to add to them when Albion’s youngsters host Stoke City at Keys Park on Monday night (ko 7pm).
The attacking midfielder has enjoyed a positive start to the Premier League 2 Division 2 campaign, contributing four direct goal involvements from six league matches.
Richards netted a fine individual goal last time out against Norwich City, but a depleted Baggies side had to fight for a point in the end as they earned a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road
That @rico_richards10 finish. 🔥
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) October 22, 2022
You can watch the full match highlights from our #PL2 side's 1-1 draw with Norwich City here! 👇
Still, Richard Beale’s side remain unbeaten from their last five games in Division 2, and Rico is keen to extend that to six at Hednesford on Monday, as the 19-year-old looks to continue his good run in the attacking third.
Richards said: “My goal contributions have been good, especially considering how well we’ve been playing recently.
“We’ve been scoring goals, winning games and that’s shown in our position in the league table.
“My playing style is about creating chances and scoring goals, so doing that consistently is the main objective for me now going forward.
“We felt a point after our last game against Norwich was an accomplishment because we went through most possible situations during the 90 minutes. We went ahead, conceded, lost a man to injury to go down to ten men, and that meant we had to stay back.
“My goal contributions have increased and attacking and defensively, I feel I’m becoming more of a complete player. It showed in the last game when we went down to ten men because I had to do a lot of defending, but I managed to get forward and create chances too.
“I’m making steps forward, which is all that matters at this stage.
“I was happy with my goal at Norwich. Everything pieced together and when I controlled the ball and looked up, I almost had to do what I did and produce the finish I did. It also comes from confidence, though, and it’s a big part of my game and while I’m playing with confidence, it’ll always mean better performances from myself.
“I know the coaches believe I’m good enough to make the next step, but it’s just about keeping level-headed and producing every single game.
“Before last season, the difference in standards is massive especially since the cup win. Now we’re expected to go far by the coaches and ourselves because we know we can do it, we’ve proven it and it’s something we need to try and keep doing.
“It’s all about putting in the right performance. If we do that, then the goals and wins will come with it.
“Stoke won’t be an easy game, but we know what we’re up against. But if we continue producing what we showed in our last league games against Norwich and Middlesbrough, I have no doubts we’ll be able to get the right result.”
How to follow the game
Tickets will be available for Albion’s PL2 clash with Stoke City at Keys Park on Monday night.
Season ticket holders can watch the match for free, while the prices stand at £5 for adults, and just £1 for juniors.
Alternatively, season ticket holders and members can also enjoy a live stream of the match. Click here and log in with your My Albion account linked to your season ticket or membership.
The stream will begin 10 minutes before kick-off (6.50pm).
If you haven’t yet set up your account click here for instructions.
