Manager on today's draw
John Ward was pleased with the effort shown by his team in this afternoon’s 1-1 against Bury.
It really was the proverbial game of two halves, with Rovers second to everything in the first period, but dominating the game in the second.
The manager said: “We tried really hard, we got a lovely start and tucked it away, and then we were on the back foot and they took the game to us throughout the first half.
“They were very strong and knocked us about a little bit. After half time we regrouped, and we became the better team.
“It was probably not the prettiest game you will ever see, but two teams who have had a real good go at each other.
“We were quicker and on the front foot more in the second half. We gave a lot of free kicks away in the first period because we were second to the ball and on the back foot.
“Second period we changed it around and did the same to them. We both could have won, but whether we both should have done is questionable.”
Although the manager was pleased with his side’s effort, he believes they could have shown more quality.
He said: “We had enough opportunities, but we probably weren’t slick enough.
“There were a couple of offside things I didn’t like from my team – which were a bit sloppy, so all the time we can try and improve our quality, but I don’t think I can improve how hard the team has tried.
“They are wearing that shirt and represent all these people that support this football club, and I think they have tried to do that today to the best of their ability.”
The manager confirmed before the game that he will not be extending Alex Henshall’s loan spell at the club, and with Alefe Santos having picked up a potential hamstring injury, he could look to dip into the loan market again before the window closes.
He said: “I have watched Alex day in and day out and saw him in midweek at Yate and for his benefit we have not extended his loan, as he was not going to force his way in to my team.
“He now has another 10 days or so before the window shuts to see if he can possibly go elsewhere.
“We think Alefe Santos has nicked a hamstring, and he had to come off, which was a shame.
“I will look at the loan situation, with Alefe picking up a hamstring we will see how that works out, and if that is a lengthy period out that does cut down my wide positions. So we will have a look at it.”
And the manager will be going into Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay against York in a positive spirit.
He said: “We have had four games without defeat, we are getting stronger and getting better, and we have a chance to get into the second round of the FA Cup.
“We need to be stronger and we need to be better on Tuesday to see if we can get there.”
For the full interview, visit Gas Player.