Onariase: We deserved something from it

Defender Manny Onariase reflected on Saturday’s home league encounter against league leaders Forest Green Rovers, and felt that the side deserved to come away with something from the game.

The game hinged on a controversial awarding of a penalty to the away side on the hour mark, which was converted by Jamille Matt, before Ebou Adams added a quick second, putting the game beyond the Iron’s reach.

“It’s so difficult (to take) because we feel we performed well on the day and deserved more than a 2-0 loss,” he said, talking to iFollow Iron. 

“If anything, we had the better chances in the game and their ‘keeper made some really good saves. We feel like we deserved points out of the game.”

Speaking on that decision from referee Declan Bourne to award Forest Green a penalty for an alleged foul by Jai Rowe on Matt, he continued: “I think the referee made the wrong decision (to award the penalty) and it definitely changed the whole dynamic of the game.

“I think he should have given a penalty for a foul on me in the first half. Their defender has his arms around me and it’s not given and then he’s given a penalty against Jai which is not a penalty.

“It changes the dynamic, and we had to chase the game. It’s frustrating because we didn’t deserve that at all.”

The side bounced back in terms of performance at the weekend, reacting to a poor result against Harrogate Town the week before. Onariase insists it was a step in the right direction and something to build on.

“It was a great reaction and an uplifting performance,” he stated.

“You could see the togetherness in the team with everyone working hard and running for each other. We need to keep building on that.

“When you’re up at the top, things go for you. Things are going against us at the moment.”

The 24-year-old missed that defeat at the EnviroVent Stadium through injury, but returned to the line-up on Saturday. 

He ended by confirming his fitness and touching on a trip to Barrow on Tuesday.

“I’m feeling good. The physio team have been good, getting me back up to speed and back in training,” he added.

“Barrow is not an easy place to go, but we keep moving forward and look forward to it.”

See much more from Manny Onariase on iFollow Iron.