Joshua Takes Responsibility After Bourne Defeat

Rugby Town's four-match winning run came to an end at Bourne Town - but manager Grant Joshua was quick to shoulder the blame for the 3-1 defeat.

"The result is on me," said Joshua. "We didn’t adapt to their change of shape, and it made it a game that we couldn’t get control of."

“It's time to reflect on a good run coming to an end and lick our wounds and move on.

"I’m not one of those who believes a run has to end at some point but the result is on me essentially, not the players, because I didn’t adapt us to Bourne’s shape.

"They caught us out playing a different system to normal, and myself and the staff have to be better in recognising that system change.

"Well done to Bourne - good luck to them. It's a nice little set-up they've got there and they’ll take points off plenty of teams at home."

Joshua admitted his side struggled to gain any real control of the game, which quickly turned into an open contest. "We lacked control of the game and it was like a basketball match from minute one.

"With the shape they played, it suited that kind of game. We can always point to missed chances - and I sound like a broken record - but we have to score the three or four golden chances we create."

"Teddy Rowe's two that he squared have to go in the net, but when you don’t take those chances and the game is as open as it was you’re always likely to be punished yourself - and it played out that way.

"We have to have better control of the game with the quality we have in central areas, but that instruction can come from the dugout too, and we didn’t make that call - so it's on us as much as the players.”

There were still positives to take, including another goal for in-form midfielder Caine Elliott. "Caine's goal right from kick-off was brilliant - another excellent move from back to front, similar to our goal at Long Eaton.

"I'm delighted for him; that’s nine for the season now, and we’re really seeing the Caine Elliott that we all know. He’s stepped up in big moments, and I've no doubt he’ll continue to do so."

Joshua also revealed his side is dealing with a growing injury list. "We couldn’t really change the game in our favour like we have in recent weeks because we’re threadbare.

"Isaac Adegoke and Harrison Nee were part of a 15-man squad on Saturday - Harrison couldn’t even get through the warm-up, and Isaac I shouldn’t really have put on given his knee. Greg is struggling with a knock, Callum Griffin is injured, Max Martin has moved to Inkberrow - good luck to him - so we’re walking wounded at the moment."

“I won’t be digging the boys out for one disappointing result given how much they’ve put their bodies on the line these past few weeks, playing through injuries and knocks, and the run they’ve been on.”

Despite the defeat, Joshua says spirits remain high. “The lads are still in good spirits and itching to get back to it Tuesday and Thursday as we look to go on another run. We just need to look after the bodies we have fit and available."

“I said before Bourne that the next game is always the biggest no matter who it’s against, and we have to be zoned in on St Neots.

"The sign of a good group is how they react to a loss — and we’ll be looking to get back on the train at the weekend.”