Grant Pleased With Point Gained at Basford

Rugby Town manager Grant Joshua praised his side's spirit but expressed frustration at another slow start his side again had to come from behind to earn a draw at Basford United.

Cairo Taylor's 88th minute equaliser meant it was the seventh time this season that Joshua has seen his side gain a draw or win from going one or two goals behind.

It's a theme that the manager is keen to address: "I was told years ago, never discredit a point, especially away.

"There's plenty to work on but a share of the points against a team who will be looking to get back to Step Three at the first time of asking - we’ll take, just about.

"I thought we started the game awfully, to be honest, and Basford deservedly went in front. We gave the ball away more today than I've ever seen us do and it wasn’t through any high press — it was lack of quality, execution, and movement off the ball.

"We have to start games better, have better body language early on. It’s almost a running joke now that we just go a goal or two behind and come back — I refuse to accept that mentality.

"It has to change and the message is clear: start games brighter because it's not two or three times now, it’s twelve and that’s a pattern. You can’t keep going to the well.

"That said, the relentless desire to get back into games is there again. We looked like we could go on and win it and Basford were hanging on at the end — we've missed a really good opportunity to snatch it.

"Four points from Coleshill and Basford I would have reluctantly taken at the start of the week — that now needs to become seven or ten from the next few if we’re to take the next step. The ability is there; it’s about finding the balance and unlocking it.

"The positive is we didn’t get out of second gear against Coleshill and won, and today, away at a top side, we didn’t play particularly well and still drew.

"Consistency is everything for a new group, and we’ll keep pushing the players to improve.

"We've got a tough week ahead with Sutton and Coventry Sphinx, so we need to rest and rotate because the last few games have taken their toll.

"The squad is strong, and we’re happy with our core, but we’re looking to bring in one or two to help with depth after losing a few recently."