Edgar Davids admitted that sometimes you need to play ‘ugly’ in order to win games following Monday’s 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon.

Keanu Marsh-Brown scored the only goal of the contest on his debut with just four minutes to play and the head-coach was extremely pleased with his contribution.

Reflecting on a vital win that lifts the Bees to 18th in Npower League Two Davids revealed that sometimes you need to sacrifice total football in order to win.

“Everything was ugly. The game was ugly, the pitch was ugly and the goal was ugly. But sometimes it needs to be like that to win the game.

“We relied on our defence a lot because the pitch was horrible. It was a good test but they showed good fight and they were very solid. I hope the offence can repay them in the next match.”

Marsh-Brown joined the club last week and the winger made an immediate impression but Davids expects nothing less from his younger players. 

“He is a young talent who came in and did very well. He has been training well and you have seen so far that if you practice well you will get the opportunity.

“It is vital that if you come off the bench you show the coach that you are worthy of playing for the first-team and that is what he did.”

Davids also praised the performance of Andy Yiadom who reverted to the right-position and helped the team keep a fourth successive clean sheet. 

“He played good. It is a new position and it is always difficult if you’re used to playing on the wing. You have old habits which are difficult to deny.

“It is hard. In games like Monday where the pitch is small you have to sacrifice your ability for the benefit of the team. I think Jon Nurse had to do the same. It was a great team effort.”

Davids did however admit the team still needed to improve. 

“We are happy with the clean sheets but I am all about progress and the last few games we haven’t played that well. We definitely need to work on certain aspects.”