Jack's thoughts after the narrow defeat away to Bolton
This Boxing Day saw Town lose a hard fought game 2-1 away at Bolton.Bolton’s veteran centre half David Wheater scored a rare brace to give the home side a 2-0 advantage at the break, before a late goal from Junior Brown set up an exciting finish, though sadly Town were not able to find an equaliser.
Jack Grimmer has been a steady figure in defence this season and has contributed to the defensive improvements the side’s seen since Hurst’s arrival.
He spoke to the press after the game:
“We go in at half time 2-0 down having conceding two terrible goals, but considering all the talent they’ve got – we kept them pretty quiet.
“We picked ourselves up in the second half, and the performance fills us with confidence, but at this stage we need the points and I’m pretty deflated to go home with nothing.”
The loss is only the third in the league since Paul Hurst took over in October, and comes after back-to-back wins in the league for Town, over Millwall and Bristol Rovers.
Grimmer has been a big part of the defensive unit which has kept seven clean sheets since Hurst’s arrival, though he was disappointed in the manner Town conceded goals versus Bolton.
“The goals today came from set pieces and we weren’t set up properly. You can maybe take it if someone cuts you open with brilliant play, but it’s difficult to take.”
Town were the better side for large parts of the second half and after Brown’s 84th minute goal, players and fans alike were given real hope of taking a point away from the Macron Stadium.
“Definitely, especially in the last ten minutes their crowd were getting very edgy. Fair play to the gaffer he wants to win games – he’s made no secret of that.
“We were really pushing for the win, so to not get it with decisions not going our way, it’s difficult to take.”
The decision Grimmer mentions above refers to when the referee waved away Town’s late protests for handball, even after the linesman appeared to flag for a penalty.
There was some individual plaudits for Grimmer against Bolton though as he got the assist for Brown’s goal.
“It’s always nice to get an assist, as long as we’re scoring goals I’m not fussed who’s scoring them or who gets the assist – it’s about the team.
“”It was unfortunate for George [Waring] not to get on the end of another one when I put in another ball. But it shows the fullbacks were pushing on and what our intent was.”
Hurst’s arrival at the Greenhous Meadow has seen a real upturn in form for Town, which has seen them move off the bottom of the table, and almost into safety.
“We look at the past results, and taking away games against Fleetwood, everyone can see were pulling in the right direction and the managers got us playing the way he wants.”
Next up for Town is a trip to Rochdale, who have one of the best home records in the league.
“I’ve read a lot about their home record and all credit to them, they’ve made their place a fortress which is what you need to do in this league.
“It’s a different kind of game but one we need to pick ourselves up for.”