Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill was left frustrated after his team’s narrow 3-2 defeat to Tranmere Rovers, insisting that his side did not deserve to lose despite costly errors that led to the goals.
Reflecting on the match, Cotterill highlighted an early own goal that set a difficult tone. “We gave the ball away too easily, and it led to them beating us one-on-one in a situation I didn’t expect,” he said. Cotterill spoke with defender James Wilson about positioning mistakes that contributed to the goal and lamented the unfortunate deflections and errors that followed, including a poor clearance that allowed the striker to score.
Despite falling behind, Cheltenham rallied strongly. “After going 2-0 down, we were clearly the better team in both halves. When we equalised at 2-2, we pushed for the win because three points are vital for us right now,” Cotterill said. He praised the team’s persistence and attacking play, noting they created multiple chances, including well-worked goals and dangerous crosses from players like Jake Bickerstaff and Hakeeb Adelakun.
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Cotterill admitted the defeat stung but maintained pride in his side’s mentality and performance. “We kept playing, kept pressing, and I felt we were the only team likely to win. The late goal from a free-kick felt unlucky — the ball hit the post and then Joe Day in goal before going in,” he explained.
The manager also addressed the injuries sustained during the match, revealing that Ben Stevenson suffered around 12 stitches following a tough challenge. “He couldn’t continue in the second half, which was tough for us,” Cotterill added. He also commented on Hakeeb Adelakun’s impact after coming on, praising his energy despite needing more minutes to build fitness.
Discussing Josh Martin, who scored one of Cheltenham’s goals, Cotterill noted ongoing efforts to develop his game beyond goal-scoring. He was confident about the squad’s potential despite setbacks, emphasizing a focus on maintaining the style of play that saw them dominate large parts of the match.
When asked about his reactions at full time, Cotterill was candid: “I was disappointed. We deserved better. The added time felt too short given stoppages, and those moments can make a difference.”
Looking ahead, the manager faces challenges with injuries and suspensions affecting midfield options. He acknowledged the difficulties but remains optimistic based on his team’s recent performances: “If we maintain the level we showed, especially in the second half today and against Notts County, I believe we’ll win more than we lose.”