Grayson: It Feels Like a Defeat

Simon Grayson described the 2-2 draw at Stevenage as ‘Feeling like a defeat’ something that I and many other Town fans would have to agree with.

After leading 2-0 away from home and entering the final 20 minutes looking comfortable, it seemed that only the Town of old could throw this game away.

But that’s exactly what happened. Simon spoke to the club’s official site following the game:-

‘It feels like a defeat I suppose, because we were in a good position, two goals up with twenty minutes remaining,’

‘There was nothing much in the game in the first half, but we edged it and forced their ‘keeper into a couple of good saves. Stevenage have a good home record and have turned over all the top sides in the League here and drawn with Tottenham. They have a good group of players who have been together for a long time and know what to do.’

‘We are disappointed with the draw – to have taken six points from six would have been a great start, but if you can’t win then make sure you draw. We knew that Stevenage were going to be hard working, but in the first half Alex (Smithies) didn’t have a save to make. When we were two goals up we had a great opportunity to go and win the game, but maybe letting leads slip is something that the players have done too many times this season.’

‘I can’t fault the players in terms of their work rate, commitment and attitude to a very difficult game tonight,’ commented Grayson. ‘We never thought that the game was over; the statistics prove that Stevenage are one of the best second-half teams at home in the League.

‘We could have dealt with the first goal a little bit better – Jamie (McCombe) could have maybe headed it out instead of letting it go for a corner, from where they score. We don’t think the penalty was a foul in the first place, but that proved irrelevant and then for the third, the lad has gambled and scored at the back post. I don’t think there are any fundamental mistakes; it was credit to the opposition.’

On the changes he made to the line-up, he explained his thinking:-

‘We are still coming to terms with the players and their strengths and weaknesses. Tonight I felt that Joey Gudjonsson would give us some experience in the middle and we went with Danny Cadamarteri over Gary Roberts as he is still coming back from injury. Everybody contributed well tonight – I thought Lee Novak was fantastic and his strike even better for his goal.’

Grayson finally paid tribute to the travelling 702 Town fans in attendance, who sang their hearts out all game:-

‘The supporters have travelled a long way and backed the team tremendously tonight and deservedly the players showed them the respect that they deserved at the end of the game. We have taken four from six points and there are 14 games left to go and there will be plenty more twists and turns.’