Head Coach happy with performance in 1-1 draw
Head Coach Gabriele Cioffi reflected on Tuesday night's 1-1 draw against Exeter City at the Broadfield Stadium.
On overall performance …
I am pleased with how we played. The goal we gave away could have been avoided, but Exeter are a strong side and they had other chances. So did we. We looked a little bit tired at the end because the boys have given their all in the last two games. Six points would have been nice but four is okay as we played two good teams.
On Broadfield Stadium atmosphere …
Again, I thank the supporters for creating this. There was a really good noise and atmosphere throughout the game and our fans were very loud in getting behind the teams. I know we could have had a record (for six consecutive Football League wins) and we didn’t quite make it but we have been strong at home since I came here and this has to be the foundation of our season.
On late chances at both ends …
We have a saying in Italy – ‘if you don’t kill the cow, he might run away.’ So, a great defensive clearance by Romain and then at the other end a chance for Ashley. The second half was a good advertisement for League Two, both sides were trying to win it. We might have won it, but we also could have let a second goal in so a point is a point. I’m very happy with how we played.
Building some momentum …
What has changed the most since I came to the club is the mentality of the players. It is much better now, they are stronger and they have more belief. They are good players and I don’t just mean the first XI. The substitutes from the bench were strong and the collective spirit is good and I think the supporters can see that.
Now we have to recover, rest and then prepare for another tough game on Saturday at Tranmere. In this league any team can beat another on any day so we have to prepare for a difficult match. But we have had two good performances and the lads know we must keep building and building, slowly but surely. I believe that they will and we can have a good season.
Pictured: Ollie Palmer runs at the Exeter defence. Photo by James Boardman (Telephoto Images)
