Joshua Aggrieved After Basford Defeat Despite Dominant Display

Rugby Town manager Grant Joshua admitted he was "flat" after defeat to Basford United but insisted the performance once again told a very different story to the final scoreline.

Despite Basford arriving at Butlin Road firmly in the play-off places, Joshua felt his side were the better team for large spells and were unfortunate not to take something from the game which ended in a 2-3 defeat at Butlin Road.

“That game has probably gone with the form guide, but if you dig into the surfaces and layers of it, I’m aggrieved we haven’t won the game, never mind drawing it.”

Joshua was quick to acknowledge the visitors and their manager after the match.

“Let me firstly congratulate Saul and his side on the game today. They’ve come away with maximum points and we're left ruing what should have been.”

Reflecting on his comments following the previous week’s win, Joshua again stressed the importance of looking beyond the raw result, while recognising the reality of the league table.

“When I spoke last week about looking past a result, that’s really evident again this week. That’s how I feel, but we can’t ignore the current situation we find ourselves in. I think it’s completely false based on performances, but it’s the reality of the table and we accept it. We have to find that balance between result and performance.”

Joshua admitted his side started slowly but felt they quickly took control of the contest.

“I don’t think we started the first five minutes very well, but after that I have to give my team credit. It looked a complete mismatch in footballing terms. We played through the pitch brilliantly and Basford couldn’t get to grips with our movement and tempo, especially centrally with my four lads.”

He added: “We were clearly the better side between both boxes, but we all know games are won in either box. Unfortunately, we shouldn’t have to score three goals at home to win a game, and that’s proved the case in the last two weeks.”

Despite the disappointment of the result, Joshua praised his players’ approach and quality.

“I’m flat about the result, but I can’t not praise our style and how we dominated a side who were second going into the game. I may be biased about certain aspects of our game, but there’s not a lot of difference between us and Basford in my opinion based on what I saw.”

There was also concern over Jack Concannon, who was forced off through injury.

“Jack Concannon was the best player on the park until he went off, and it hampered us in terms of progressive passes into Kobi and Rivel. His injury doesn’t look good, but we’ll wait for the assessment to come back. I hope it’s not as bad as first feared because he’s looked levels above the level over the last couple of weeks.”

Joshua was clear that mistakes continue to be costing his side. “We’re making individual errors that are directly leading to goals and that has to stop immediately. If players have to come out of the side next week, then so be it.”

He analysed each of the goals conceded in detail.

“The first goal is a worldie to be fair, but it comes from a clearance that doesn’t go five yards and then we hesitate to engage on a bouncing ball. Charlie’s got no chance – it’s a dipping one and a great finish – but it’s avoidable yet again.

Goals two and three come from counter-attacks. The players have to take more responsibility when attacking and we have to be set at the back, not leaving huge gaps in our back four.”

Joshua also felt key moments went against his side during the game.

“There were a few moments that didn’t go our way and some big decisions in key areas, but that’s part of football and we have to deal with what’s in our control.”

Finally, Joshua thanked the supporters and urged them to stay patient.

“Nearly 500 supporters yesterday – I know it’s not the result we wanted or deserved, but keep behind them and stick with them while we try to find some consistent form.

We didn’t give up and kept coming back for more. The attitude and resilience can’t be questioned. A big away support next week would be massive for us.”