Interim head coach Simon Wiles spoke to the press after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth at Highbury stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Simon Marquis’ close-range header 16 minutes into the game was enough to seal the three points for Pompey despite a dominant first-half performance from the Cod Army.
Here’s what he had to say:
On the performance…
“I’m obviously disappointed we didn’t get anything out of the game. I thought we started the game well and the chances that we created in the first half, we could have done better with. But in terms of our approach to the game and the way that we played I’m pleased.
“I’m really pleased that we were on the front foot. I thought we were aggressive with our pressing and that enabled us to win the ball back high up the pitch and create chances and that was the message at the end of the game.
“I’m really pleased (with new signing Kyle Vassell). I like the fact he can mix his game up, he can look to go in beyond and he’s got pace and power to get hold of the ball and bring others into play. He had a couple of chances himself, he showed quick feet to get some shots off, so we’re really pleased that he’s here and I thought it was a really pleasing performance from him.”
On where to improve…
“We’ve just got to make sure that when we are on top and when we have got the ball and we are building momentum it’s vital that we get that quality right in the final third and make sure we start taking those chances when they fall to us.
“In certain parts of the game when you are getting yourself on top it’s vital that we do that those chances. I know there were a couple of chances straight after Portsmouth scored that we could’ve done better with that would have then put the game at 1-1 and then they’ve got to come out chasing and then would’ve given us the impetus to go forward and get the next one but unfortunately that didn’t happen.
“But again, it doesn’t matter how well you play it’s about getting the points on the board, and at the minute, this is our first league game in charge and we haven’t got anything so it’s vital that we pick something up on the road in the next two games.”