Torquay United head coach Gary Owers showed frustration but also determination in his post-match press call after Saturday’s match against Dagenham & Redbridge.
United conceded a last-minute goal to stretch a win-less run to thirteen games.
“I’m gutted,” said Owers after the final whistle.
“I thought it was a terrific display, we deserved at least a draw. If we had taken our chances then we could have won the game comfortably. Their manager said we didn’t deserve it. A couple of supporters over there said it [too]. We got beat again and we conceded a poor goal late in the game. If we keep gifting the opposition goals then it is going to be a struggle. We shouldn’t have gotten ourselves in that position in the first place and Sean has got the wrong side in the penalty box late in the game. We paid the price.”
Dagenham goalkeeper Mark Cousins denied Jamie Reid in the second half. It was a terrific save according to Owers who say it was the “save of the season”. United could have also taken the lead in the first half when Josh McQuoid fired over when a shot on target would have probably been enough to open the scoring.
“Josh knows he should have scored. Another got fizzed across the face of the goal in the second half and all someone has to do is stick a leg out and it’s a tap in,” added Owers.
“The pleasing thing is that I’ve seen signs of an improved performance, massively on last week.
“The supporters gave us a round of applause at the end. They recognised the effort and quality in some of our play but we haven’t won a game. We’ve got to win a game somehow. We’ll try again Tuesday. If I get that again, we’ll be a lot closer and two home games coming up – very important.”
Liam Davis made his first appearance of the season after coming back from injury. He impressed the Gaffer with his performance.
“I thought he was excellent. I thought there were sound performances throughout the team. Josh looked sharp at times and ‘Reidy’ [Jamie Reid]. Damon Lathrope has come in and hasn’t played much football and has got through the 90 minutes. Loads of positives but it is gut-wrenching.
“It is a great club and I want to be successful here. I don’t want to be at the bottom of the league. I’m a fighter and we’ll fight. There’s a long way to go and I want to see a win. I am desperate for everyone connected with the football club to see Torquay United get three points.”