'Goalscorer' thoughts after the 2-2 draw against The Iron
Andy Mangan was content after Jean Louis Akpa-Akpro’s last gasp goal led to a 2-2 draw at home to Scunthorpe United:
“I believe I got a touch and that it is my goal! I am happy to share the goal though, it doesn’t bother me who scored the point is the main thing. I thought we deserved at least a point in the game after throwing it away a little bit so it was good to get a draw. We have been solid defensively recently so to concede two at home in the manner that we did is frustrating.”
“I felt we were in control of the game so it was disappointing to be pegged back and gutting to go 2-1 down. I thought we were unlucky and we showed great character to come away with a point. We did well to outperform Scunthorpe because they are in great form and full of confidence.”
“I thought Lionel Cole was brilliant today. He ran so hard and covered every blade of grass. He isn’t afraid to make a tackle either and he made a few today. He has so much ability and it is great to be playing with him.”
The striker felt the draw was a decent end to a fantastic week for the club who are now nine points clear of the relegation zone:
“It was a great ball into me for the goal and that caps off a great week for us. We would have loved to have got two more points but we are nine clear of relegation now which we are happy about. I take each game individually so I do feel we dropped two points today but we need to get our heads down and train hard so that we can play our best against Bury. You never take your foot off the gas because you always want to win whatever game you play. There is absolutely no danger of us relaxing if we do become safe from relegation.”
The 29-year-old believes the players are enjoying their football at the minute and insisted he is not frustrated at not starting the last couple of games:
“All the lads are enjoying their football and are in high spirits and I think you can see that on the pitch. The manager and staff our positive people and the belief is high throughout the camp.”
“It is the gaffer’s job to pick the team but hopefully my performance today will get me back in the starting line-up. Everyone knows how much respect I have for the manager so I will always go by what he decides but of course it would be great to get back to starting games. I feel great at the minute and refreshed but I would never sulk or kick off if I am not starting. We have a strong squad so you cannot expect to play every game.”
The former Tranmere man is already turning his attention to the next game against Bury next Saturday:
“I think anyone in this league can beat anyone. We are playing fantastic and belief is high so hopefully that will continue against Bury and I am confident it will.”
James Eley