Winning is in the Blood
ASIDE from an overall lethargy in Argyle’s performance in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe United in Sky Bet League Two, manager Ryan Lowe was left frustrated by a lack of game-management.
The Pilgrims recovered from conceding early to lead through Will Aimson’s predatory strikes either side of half-time but then gave up all three points when Abo Eisa was allowed to run through unimpeded from a long pump forward to equalise in the final minute.
There was also an assist from the referee but Ryan was more annoyed at his team’s failure to fight like animals in securing the victory, and being more adept at the crafty side to football.
He said: “Is it a desire to keep the ball out of the net? Possibly. Or mentality in thinking we’ve already won? You’ve not won until the final whistle.
“We’ve got to get better at managing games of football, get better at being clever. I don’t know how many times their centre-halves threw themselves to the floor when there’s a touch.
“The referee picks the ball up after the corner, gives it to their player, the ‘keeper kicks it and they go up the other end and score. I was disappointed the referee has picked the ball up off the grass, given it to their player, he throws it to the ‘keeper and scores. I’m not blaming the referee but you don’t normally see that.
“I’m frustrated and angry because you’ve got to have it in your blood that they’re not going to score. They weren’t like animals but I know they care. They’re disappointed and they’ve had a roasting [in the dressing room] because you have to make sure you come away with three points and not one.
“Last week [at Mansfield], we got six yellow cards and a fine from the FA. This week, we get no yellow cards but we should have won the game 2-1. I don’t want to be getting too many yellow cards but I want them getting stuck in.
“We gave away too many fouls for nothing but it didn’t reflect on the game really. Whether it’s keeping the ball at the other end, whether it’s fouling the lad as he comes across, whatever it is, we’ve cost ourselves two extra points.”