Bobby Grant has given his reaction to Saturday’s narrow 3-2 defeat against Scunthorpe United at Highbury.
Grant – who scored against his former side after coming on as a substitute – covered all the key points in his post-match interview.
On the game itself…
“I’m disappointed. Scunthorpe are a competitive side, they’re going to compete for first and second balls and that’s what they’ve done.
“We did well to get back into the game and get it back to 2-2 but we have to see the game out and get the point. We’ve worked so hard with ten men to get back in it, but some of us have to learn from our mistakes, and we need to put it right quickly.”
On the red card…
“It was never a red card. He hasn’t caught the ball or tried to intentionally stop the ball with his hand. There’s nothing he could do. The lad has headed the ball across goal and it’s hit him. Okay, he can give the penalty but he can’t give a red card because it’s never been a red card.”
On scoring as a substitute…
“I’ve always said I want to start games, I’ve been back with the lads now for three weeks. But, it doesn’t make me any happier to score a goal if we get beat.
“I’d rather we’d have won the game or drawn than get beat. On a personal note it is good to get a goal but I can’t celebrate that because we have lost the game.”
On drawing level with ten men…
“It was good team effort in the second half, but we’ve lost the game from a late goal.
“We did it against Gillingham with the penalty and we’ve done it again today with another set piece, a free kick. We need to learn to do that. Having worked so hard to get back in the game at 2-2, we threw it away.”
On Charlie Oliver’s debut…
“It was a good debut from him, he’s a great lad. To be thrown into the game like that, it’s a big test, but he’ll learn and he’ll be a great addition to this team.”
On the Checkatrade Trophy Quarter Final against Yeovil on Tuesday…
“We have to be professional and prepare properly. It’s a massive game against Yeovil make no mistake about it. We’re going there to win the game and progress in the cup. We’ll certainly put things right tomorrow and focus on Yeovil.”