United defender Eddie Nolan expressed his frustration after the Iron fell to a 2-0 defeat to promotion hopefuls Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday.
The travelling side enjoyed the better of proceedings for substantial periods within the game, with midfielder Gary McSheffrey – who struck the woodwork in the opening half – proving troublesome for the Robins.However, the hosts edged in front on 52 minutes courtesy of an Aden Flint header before sealing the win seven minutes from time when Greg Cunningham’s strike ended hopes of United salvaging something from the contest, and Nolan told The Iron Player: “We’re disappointed to come away with nothing from the game.
“We had chances, but they scored their first goal from a set-piece which set us back and they’ve obviously gone on to make it two. We still created chances, and on another day could have come away with something.
“They’re a top side, with some good players, and got the second when we were pushing forward.”
The trip to Bristol marked arguably one of United’s hardest ventures of the fledgling season so far, but the visitors caused numerous problems of their own, as Nolan added: “If you look at the players who came on for them, they have a quality squad and are going to be up there for promotion.
“They’re still unbeaten in the league, so are a great team who are good to watch. They will be a test for anyone, but we’re disappointed not to get something out of it as we created a lot.
“Even in the first half we hit the post and could have had a few tap-ins where the goalkeeper has dropped it a couple of times. It just didn’t bounce for us today, and wasn’t to be.
“We’ve just been promoted and played one of the best teams in the league, who should be promoted this season, so you have to take the positives.”
Having endured a gruelling start to their return to third tier, United now have the relative luxury of a week without a fixture ahead of facing last season’s League Two rivals Chesterfield at the Proact Stadium next Saturday.
The thrice-capped Ireland International has already switched his attention to the clash with the Spireites as his side look to bounce back, and added: “We move on to Chesterfield now, which is a big game for us. Hopefully we can get a result.
“There’s been a lot of lads who have played every game, and it’s been a crazy month for fixtures. That’s the start of the season for you, and a couple of days rest and some light training will get us ready.”
See much more from Eddie Nolan, and others, on The Iron Player.