Joshua: "Derby Defeat Won't Define Season"

Rugby Town boss Grant Joshua offered a calm but honest reflection insisting that the Rugby derby defeat in front of a superb attendance won't define the season.

Saturday’s 1–0 home defeat to Rugby Borough was the first ever Rugby Derby but the result ended a poor run in November which saw just one win and one draw from six league games.

“Nobody likes losing a derby game, but it can’t and won’t define our season,” Joshua said. “I am personally gutted for the supporters – 1,169 is absolutely remarkable for a game at Step Four.

"We have to take our medicine, move on quickly. It’s football.”

Joshua chose not to publicly criticise the players, but was clear about the issues being addressed.

"I could come on here and throw criticism at the players for Saturday, but that’s not going to do anybody any favours.

"We’re not getting carved open – the goals we concede are really poor. We had an honest chat after the game about what’s gone wrong over the last four matches and that will stay private.

"The main thing I’ve said to them for weeks is that they don’t recognise the severity of the result or how the game is developing in-game.

"They recognise it after the game in the dressing room, and that’s the sign of a young group with limited experience of how to completely ‘be in the game’ during every phase.”

Joshua was disappointed to concede from Rugby Borough’s only attempt on target.

"We’ve conceded one shot on our goal in 96 minutes and it’s gone in. Yes it’s a good cross, but we haven’t tracked our men into the box and it’s a simple header. The game followed the same pattern after that moment."

Rugby Town pressed well but lacked the punch to turn turnovers into goals. "Our aim was to stop them playing – which they’re the best at apart from Loughborough – and we managed to pinch the ball high up the pitch. But it’s what we did with it afterwards where we fell down: a lack of end product.

"When you win the ball inside the opposition half, you have to have the quality and directness to punish at pace.

"At the moment we just don’t have the in-form players to capitalise. That’s not a question of quality – the boys just haven’t got the confidence right now to deliver at crucial times."

Injuries and departures have clearly made the last few weeks difficult.

"It’s no secret we need to bring some bodies in. Sam and Greg are out, Isaac [Adegoke] is 50/50, Cairo [Taylor] has a pulled hamstring, Ted [Rowe] played with a niggle, Ethan [Hanson] is still a long way off.

"Stan [Anaebonam] moved on last week too. We’ve had a big turnover of players in three weeks – that’s non-league football, players look after themselves.

"I’m pleased to get Harrison [Nee] back but he needs building up.

"We’re close to getting a defender or two over the line this week, which will help the lads at the back – a few of them need a rest."

Joshua emphasised that fluctuations are inevitable when the squad has never been settled.

"Nobody wants a settled squad of 16 or 17 players more than me, but we haven’t had that. I’m not sure we’ve ever had our strongest team available consistently. When you’re missing substantial numbers, results are going to be up and down.

"I never thought we were a great team when we won nine of 15 and went on that run – we just worked hard and took chances. Equally, I don’t think we’re a poor team now because of a few bad results. It’s all about confidence, and ours has taken a knock since Bourne.”

Despite that, the manager remains upbeat and determined.

"It’s a fine balance, and I’ll be doing everything to get us back to the level where we can win football matches. Players need to dig in, stick together, work hard and find some confidence from somewhere. The staff will work even harder to lift the lads – and we’ve got another chance next week to put it right."