Uwe Rosler says his side’s failure to keep a clean sheet cost them as they drew 1-1 with Hereford in the Emirates FA Cup second round.
Hereford stunned the Cod Army when Calvin Dinsley’s strike beat Chris Neal early in the first half, however it was Fleetwood’s top goal scorer Devante Cole who ensured Town’s name was in the hat for the third round draw.
It was to be Cole’s strike which in the end, means a replay will now need to be played at Edgar Street.
“In the first half we were in control,” said Rosler.
“The most disappointing thing for me is that we couldn’t keep a clean sheet. I told the players before that if we do get that clean sheet, we would give ourselves a chance to go further in the competition.
“In the second half we didn’t keep the ball well enough. The game was up and down, which suited us regarding creating chances. We had three or four great opportunities, but didn’t put them away.
“We should have scored more goals today.”
Rosler believed his side tried everything to win the match and progress to the next round.
“We made it difficult for ourselves,” added the German.
“My players need to understand that there is a reason why he play three centre-halves. We want to keep clean sheets but at the moment we can’t do that, there is an issue.
“When Amari’i Bell went off we lost momentum, but it was important for me not to take off one striker, to then bring on another.
“For us, the best way to use Wes Burns is as a wing back – as in previous games.
“We tried everything to win the game, and not to have another game in our busy schedule, but it wasn’t enough.
"We were close, but not close enough."