Graham Turner's thoughts after the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United
By Matt Johnson
Graham Turner admitted his team lost out to a “better side” after Town were gunned down 2-1 by Sheffield United at the Greenhous Meadow.
A fortuitous opener just after half-time gave the Blades the lead and a superb strike from Dave Kitson put the visitors two ahead, before Stephen McGinn netted a consolation a minute from time.
“I just think we were beaten by a side who were stronger than us and better than us,” said Turner.
“Overall we’ve got to be disappointed with our performance, but they had a decent side and you sometimes have to hold your hands up.
“I can’t complain about how the players have worked. They’ve worked hard to get their shape and defend, but in the end, we weren’t good enough to create enough.”
With the game scoreless at half-time, Jon Taylor was forced off with by an injury sustained in the opening period, an absentee Turner hopes will make a swift recovery.
“We’ve lost Jon Taylor who’s been one of the main threats recently. Obviously we were missing Marvin Morgan as well and it was just an injury too far.
“He’s [Taylor] opened his groin, I think it’s too early to comment on the extent of the injury yet. He was stretching for the tackle and he’s just damaged it so I don’t know how long he’s going to be out, we’re hoping it won’t be too serious.”
Wins for Oldham, Scunthorpe and Colchester and a draw for Bury meant the eight point cushion above the drop zone has now been cut to four, with the gaffer admitting his side are still looking over their shoulders heading into the season’s home straight.
“It’s been a concern all along. We didn’t really get carried away as there was a result during the week that went against us and again today with all those beneath us, and they’re capable of doing that – just as we are. There is concern in there, that’s obvious, but we’ve still got some cushion.
“It wasn’t so long ago that we were in the bottom four and we’ve eased ourselves out of that. I think that’s only our third defeat in something like 15 games, so players need to maintain that belief and what we’ve got to do is scrap for everything and we’ll have to do that next week at Tranmere.”