Smallbone on "special" victory

Moving 21 games unbeaten in all competitions – setting a new record since joining the Football League in 1920 – Smallbone added the second in a scintillating first half performance that also saw Ché Adams and Flynn Downes find the back of the net.

Jamie Paterson’s goal proved little more than a consolation in the end, with Smallbone delighted to have moved into the history books.

“[I’m] Really proud, especially with the way that we’ve done it with that football that we’ve played. Everyone’s been on the journey together and everyone’s played their part along the way. Fans, players, staff, everyone’s played a massive part and for us personally as a club to set a bit of history was very special.

“Fans travelled in their numbers as they have done for weeks up and down the country so they deserve it as well, and that’s the togetherness that we’ve shown which I think this year has been special.

“I thought especially first half, I thought we were brilliant. Going in at half time, it was disappointing to concede when we did but I think equally, we could have been four, five, six [ahead] if we’re being a bit more picky with ourselves, but we came and stamped our authority early and I think the work was kind of done in the first half.”

With league leaders Leicester not facing Ipswich until Monday, Russell Martin’s side have leapfrogged the Tractor Boys into second for the remainder of the weekend, with Smallbone pleased to be putting pressure on.

“We can only control what we do on the pitch and I think to carry on playing the way we are and winning can only put pressure on them and we’ll see where that ends up at the end of the season.

“To be in second, at least for a few days, is the aim. Coming into pre-season the aim was to obviously be top two, and to be up and around it now is very important.”