Joshua: Carlton Performance Deserved More

Rugby Town manager Grant Joshua felt his side's display merited more than the 2-1 defeat they suffered to Carlton Town on the opening day of the Northern Premier League Midlands season.

It was Joshua's first competitive game in charge at Butlin Road but despite a late rally by his new side two goals in four second half minutes by Carlton secured the points.

“It was a performance that deserved so much more,” he said. “Let’s not get away from the fact that that Carlton side have been together for three or four seasons and I know first-hand how good they are from when I faced them in the FA Trophy last season at Coleshill.

“Apart from a brilliant stop from Marcus Bald off Ethan Hanson’s flick in the first half, we didn’t let them into the game. Carlton loaded us from corners and long throws, and I think we dealt with that very well.

“It was clear to see our attacking intent from minute one — our appetite for the game was fantastic, which I questioned last week. It couldn’t be questioned this week.”

Joshua was left to rue missed opportunities before the break: “Games at any level are settled in both boxes, and we should have been going into half-time in the lead with the chances we had. I’ve challenged the boys getting into these areas to take more responsibility — they need to be more ruthless with their finishing.

“We won’t create that many chances every week, and I know we’ll play far worse than we did on Saturday and still win football matches — that’s football.”

A key moment came late on when a penalty was awarded deep into stoppage time but then overturned but Joshua is holding back on his verdict until reviewing the footage.

“I’m going to reserve judgement on what happened at the end with the award of the penalty until I’ve watched the game back. Regardless, we’re not looking at the officials for excuses because we did enough not to lose that game.

“When you’re on top as much as we were, you have to take your chances. Carlton are a top side, have a habit of winning football matches, and know how to grind out victories — they’re an incredibly experienced side.

“We have a blueprint for how we play, and we won’t waver from that. I know the supporters felt and saw that on Saturday."