Manager Graham Alexander provided his reaction to iFollow Iron after the 1-1 home draw against Fleetwood Town.
Lee Novak gave United a first-half lead, which they kept for most of the game, looking very comfortable. However, Jordy Hiwula capitalised on a defensive lapse with five minutes remaining to ensure a share of the spoils for the visitors.
Alexander felt frustrated after the match, and believed his team deserved more.
ON THE GAME…
GA: It’s a game we should have won, and we had the points in the bag really. Unfortunately, we just let it slip at the end but I’m pleased with the players because they have committed to the performance again, controlling the game and controlling the opponent. It’s a feeling of frustration for us all because we should be talking about three points. I felt we controlled a dangerous opponent who can score goals well, and we kept them at arm’s length for the majority of the game really. They never put us under too much pressure or made us too uncomfortable. We played some really good, incisive football again and got into some great areas.
ON LEE NOVAK’S GOAL…
GA: We got a good early goal, with a good finish, but this is why you need to try and build on it and get a second goal. I’ve just said to the players in the changing room that every player makes mistakes. I’m not going to hang anybody up, because the lad in question has been fantastic for this club and I know he will continue to be.
ON THE EQUALISER…
GA: He was offside, and they said he was too – but that he wasn’t interfering with player, which I find amazing because he was yards away from a defender chasing back to his own goal in the last five minutes of the game, and he sees the centre-forward turn and sprint after the ball, putting him under pressure and forcing the issue – gaining from it. He was interfering with play without a shadow of a doubt.
ON ANDREW CROFTS, CONOR TOWNSEND AND SAM MANTOM MISSING OUT…
GA: Croftsy and Conor unfortunately reported injuries on Sunday morning after the Rotherham game. Both are hamstring injuries but I don’t think either are major. Croftsy is more soreness after being out for a while, and not playing for a while. Conor has a slight strain so we’re not sure how long he’ll be. I thought the two lads Bish (Neal Bishop) and Buts (Lewis Butroid) came in and performed exceptionally well. Sam Mantom reported some soreness in his groin on Sunday as well, so we’re trying to explore the options with that and how severe it is. Sam is going to see someone tomorrow. Hopefully Crofsty and Conor will train on Thursday and Friday, but we’ll wait and see.
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