Gaffer at the Weekend.
Q1: Having had time to reflect on yesterday's game against Tranmere what is your overriding emotions/thoughts?
A1: There is no doubt that we have left two points behind in Liverpool.
The game should have been put to bed in a dominant first half but a match never lasts anything other than 90 minutes.
The quality of our football in the first half was excellent and at present we are not being rewarded for it, but if we keep working hard that will change.
We must put teams away when in situations like yesterday and Blackpool recently.
However, we must not forget this is a new group and we will improve in all aspects as we go forward.
Q2: We completely dominated the first half and played some lovely Football, you must have been very pleased at the break?
A2:... Yes of course.
The team is now much nearer where we need to be. We have a great balance on the left now with young Tommy [O’Connor] and Prings [Ben Pringle].
Young AJ [Alex Jakubiak] is scoring goals and if he keeps working hard and stays focused that will continue.
Q3: They scored twice in the space of a few second half minutes. Was conceding made more frustrating with Jack Bonham having just made two excellent stops and, had the loose ball been cleared, we may have weathered the storm?
A3:... We give away a silly penalty and we had three chances to clear the resulting corner.
You always know that if they score a goal there will be some pressure to deal with and again defensively we have to be better.
The answer for us is to work hard on the Training Ground and be disciplined to carry that good work into matches.
Q4: Finished 2-2. What was your message to the players in the dressing room?
A4... It was again to state we need to be ruthless in both boxes.
Further, matches live for 90 plus minutes and you need to deliver in every one of them as a team if you’re going to win matches.
We are getting closer every day and match of where we need to be and over the season that will be proven.
Q5: Fans were on their feet at the end, showed their appreciation. Long way to come but backed the boys until the very end?
A5:.... Our fans were on their feet also not long before the end when Mikael Ndjoli is fouled in the Tranmere penalty area. There is no doubt looking back at it that the referee and his assistant get the decision wrong. Is it any coincidence that it is at the home end of the pitch? I have no idea!.
Our supporters were again fantastic and it was again super to see them applaud the efforts of the lads at the end .... on behalf of all of us I thank them.
Q6: A word on Ben Pringle, played very well and offers that balance on the left side. More to come from him?
A6:.... Prings is a very good player and we must get him up to speed as quickly as we can.
The lad gives us a natural balance and I look forward to getting the best out of him again. Our supporters love a good player, this lad is certainly that.
Q7. What's the plan for the week ahead?
A7.... The lads will have a tough but enjoyable week on the Training Ground, there is much work to be done.
We also have a Training Ground match against Premier League opposition on Tuesday and we have a number of players who will benefit from some more additional competitive match minutes as we head onto the weekend when league 1 leaders Wycombe Wanderers come to Priestfield.