Steve Evans said his side needs to be better in large spells after Bristol Rovers lost 1-0 to Peterborough United in Round One of the Carabao Cup.
The Pirates were looking to pick up where they left off after a brilliant end to the 2025/26 campaign and began brightly, creating plenty of chances before The Posh scored against the run of play, with Harry Leonard's converting his penalty.
Chances were few and far between for a long period before Riley Harbottle had his close-range header saved and Mees Rijks and debutant Keenan Gough missed opportunities.
Speaking to BRTV after the fixture, Evans reflected on the Gas' performance and said his team should have taken their chances when they came.
REFLECTIONS ON THE GAME
"Well, I think our performance was patchy. We started really bright in the first ten to 15 minutes, and then we lowered that intensity and Posh had a spell. The referee gives a decision that’s a penalty, which we think is harsh. If you can’t elevate your arms to head the ball, you’re never going to head the ball in your own penalty area, but he gives the penalty. But there were things preluding that which upset us.
"I think there’s a straight red in the far corner flag to the left of the away end for an over-the-ball challenge. Two minutes later, there’s a clear punch in the face of one of our players in the middle of the penalty spot.
"The second half was a bit patchy, a bit scrappy, but we made some changes and then took control. We made the three best chances of the game. Riley should atone for his hand being up there to give away a penalty.
"We should score through Keenan right at the death, and before that, Mees misses a big chance when he goes with his wrong foot. So yeah, we’re disappointed, but they’re a good side. They play an attractive brand of football; they knock it around. I think if we were at it today, perhaps it’s different, but cup ties are decided on the day."
SECOND HALF CHANGES
"Yeah, we made the changes to bring some energy. I felt two or three players were just a little bit jaded from a long pre-season, which happens, plus the intensity of stepping into your first real competitive game. Certain players will improve for that. We’ll keep it in-house as to what we thought about some of the individual performances; it needs to be better as a whole, and we will be better. It’s a bit hard to take when we see some of the decisions today, but they should be playing with ten and maybe even nine.
BUILDING FOR YORK CITY
"Well, we need to be much better in large spells. I think you’re right to say from probably 60 minutes we were totally dominant, all bar a counter-attack. They’ve got some really good front players. We’ve all said it: with blinding pace, they’ve certainly got that, and they’re always going to be capable of a counter. But overall, we managed that really well.
"In cup ties, big moments come, and you need to take your chances when they come. We didn’t do that. So, we go to York, probably a different shape and different personnel, but we’ll give people the opportunity to stake a claim in the week. The other side of the coin is I thought the boys who came on really helped bring energy and a solid last 25 minutes, and if we’d equalised, I don’t think it would’ve been a surprise to anyone."
REFLECTING WITH THE FANS
"Yeah, they’ve been phenomenal. They’ll go away disappointed, as I will. We’ll reflect on it, but I think they’ll also be thinking we missed some big moments in that second half."
