Despite and improved performance in the second half, Torquay United head coach Gary Owers was unhappy with his side’s lack of impetus in today’s 3-0 loss to Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.
“Bitterly disappointed obviously to be on the end of a 3-0 scoreline,” said Owers after the final whistle.
“I think we got what we deserved on the day, and despite of being much improved in recent weeks, I didn’t think we went out there any real belief in the first 45 minutes. We went a goal down and it was always going to be a difficult task to come back from that. We had a good spell and probably they scored when we were having our best spell. But when the goals come they all come too, too simple.”
The Gaffer didn’t think United did enough to get something from the game, but it could be argued that to lose 3-0 wasn’t a fair reflection of the match as a whole.
“Possibly, I’ve just said to the lads if we’re going away and we’re getting beat and it’s 1-0 or 2-0 it’s really important that we stop conceding goals because in our position everything is critical. Come the end of the season it could be goal difference will be very important.”
Owers was left to count the cost of United’s inability to defend crosses on the day.
“We were slightly better in the second half, but I’m really, I suppose I’m concerned now that we have a weakness defending crosses and opposition teams are scoring goals in our six-yard box from bog standard balls into the box.
“We just need to play with a lot more intent and conviction, were the words I was using at half-time. We’ve had that in recent weeks but it was missing today for some reason. We have to find that conviction again very, very quickly because we’ve got an important game now on Tuesday night at home.”
There is better news about defender Michee Efete, who left the field on a stretcher in the first half. His withdrawal allowed Reading loanee Axel Andresson to make his debut. ALex Davey looked to be in some discomfort during the second half.
“He went off on a stretcher past us, and then he walked past us at half-time in the dressing room, and I got a bit of a shock. He’s moving around in there. Hopefully it’s not too bad. I think it was his ribs. He was in a bit of discomfort and we’ll how it settles down in the next couple of days.
“He done alright, Axel. He done some good things, but really, it’s not a day to talk about individual performances. We didn’t have enough good ones, hence the reason why the team performance wasn’t as good as in recent weeks. I have to take it, and we have to take it on the chin and have to try and concentrate and get some vital points back at Plainmoor.
“Alex Davey looked like he finished on one leg. Typical, you make your two subs and roll the dice and someone gets injured in the next phase of play. We’ll see how he is, hopefully he’ll be alright.”