Defender's thoughts after the Fleetwood game
Town suffered their first home defeat under Paul Hurst on Monday afternoon as they slipped to a 1-0 loss to Fleetwood.Town went behind to a Devante Cole strike in the ninth minute and were never able to hit back, despite applying heavy pressure for periods in the second half.
Fullback Joe Riley came on to replace Dom Smith in the second half and spoke to the press after the match.
“It was a frustrating day, I can’t really say we did deserve anything from the game because even in the second half when we had a bit of a go – we didn’t create much.
“We’re not getting blown away in games, so we have to try and do better in the final third and create more.”
Riley joined Town in the summer and had been a first team regular before picking up a knee injury shortly after Hurst’s arrival.
“Looking from the outside we didn’t really look like scoring, but we’ve got to have a go and we are where we are.
Monday’s loss marks Town’s third loss on the bounce, after previous defeats to Bolton and Rochdale, though before this run started there had been an upturn in form for Hurst’s men.
“Before the results of the last three games we’ve been doing quite well – we’ve got to wipe these last three games away and kick on again.”
It was also the fourth time Town have played Fleetwood this season, a period of games which has seen Fleetwood come out on top in three of the four encounters.
“On the balance of things they haven’t been much better than us, they’re higher in the league but if you look at their team they’re not world-beaters.
“It’s really frustrating that we haven’t come away with anything from all three games.”
Riley played 40 minutes in the second half as he continues his return from injury.
“I feel alright – it’s been a really frustrating time but I’m grateful to get some minutes on the pitch and hopefully I can use that as a base and kick on from it.
Town now sit 23rd in the table after three successive defeats, they are still just one point away from safety.
“We probably deserved something from the Rochdale and Bolton games on the balance of things.
“We’ve got some games coming up that we think we can win – that’s what we’ve got to do, just keep having a go.”
Town’s next fixture sees them travel to The County Ground to take on Swindon.
“When we played them here they weren’t world beaters so we can go there and hopefully give them a good game.
“I’m hoping to start – today’s the most I’ve played and my knee feels really good. I probably just need to get a bit fitter, I’ll be looking to push on now and get some more minutes under my belt.”