There was a great deal of disbelief at the final whistle, following Dartford’s last minute equaliser. Not that they didn’t deserve something for their efforts, but more because of the opportunities the Reds had enjoyed to ensure a maximum return.
“Disappointing, as our shape was all over the place at times,” reflected a visibly deflated Andy Morrell.
“It didn’t help with Wrighty going down and having to put a left back in there, because Westy has felt a niggle in his groin and so wasn’t fit.
“At the moment, with Creights already missing, it’s the one position where we can’t afford more problems, but you get on with it as Ashy has played there before.
“Even allowing for that, we haven’t done the basics that have got us to this position, because this game could have ended six-all.
“I’d didn’t think we deserved to win and while we had chances, so did they. We’ve got to regroup and be better.”
While it was still a draw, it did feel like a defeat having hauled ourselves back from an early goal.
“We had chances to put it to bed by making it 3-1, but weren’t clinical enough with our passing in the box,” he said. “While we were open to chances at the back, which we haven’t been before.
“It was just way off where we expect to be, especially after recent displays, when we have looked solid, but today we looked wide open.
“The standards we set ourselves are way higher than that and I have told the players that these are the games that win you promotion.
“Not so much the big games, but those against the so-called lesser sides, but not that they were a lesser side, as they played some good stuff and caused us so many problems.
“But we have to stick together and bounce back on Tuesday night.”
The way the goals were conceded would have been hard to take.
“We are still in the top three, but it was the way we lost the lead that hurts,” said the boss. “Was it a free kick? I don’t know. Then it took a deflection into the bottom corner.
“But the first goal we gave away was horrendous as well. You just can’t do it; this league is all about being consistent. You have to be steady, if your performances are up and down, then you’ll get beat.”
What were the manager’s thoughts on that penalty shout in the second half?
“It looked like the referee played on for an advantage at the handball to Keatesy, but it was in the box, so it shouldn’t matter, it was a penalty,” he remarked.
“Then we also had a shout with Danny Wright, but I’ll look at those again.”
Does it make it any easier to take when looking at the league table?
“Alright we are still unbeaten, but it’s disappointing as we were 2-1 up with minutes to go and you draw a game you should have won,” said Andy.
“Our standards are much higher than that and we should not drop below them, but some people didn’t play like they can do. We have to make sure we are at it, because if not, then stuff like that happens.”
Moving on and Barrow arrive at the Racecourse in just a few days, but with the current centre half situation, the boss was keeping his cards close to his chest.
“We’ll have to assess how Westy and Wrighty are. Strap them up and get them out there and get on with it,” he said.
“Danny Devine has joined us, but he’s not played much football lately.
“These games come thick and fast, so you have the chance to put to right.
“Barrow though have gone and smashed someone today, so it will be interesting.”