Yeovil Town boss Chris Hargreaves said he was “furious” after seeing his side conceded an equaliser from a late corner to have to settle for a point from a 2-2 draw with National League leaders Chesterfield at Huish Park.
The Glovers were leading with three minutes of the match remaining when they failed to pick up Spireites’ substitute winger Jesurun Uchegbulam inside the box and he smashed home a second equaliser to nick a point.
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins after the match, Hargreaves said his counterpart, Chesterfield boss Paul Cook, had told him the hosts “didn’t get what they deserved and you were the better side.”
He said: “We made some fundamental errors at the wrong times and that can’t happen, so I am delighted with the performance but it’s tempered with a bit of annoyance.
“I can’t step on to the pitch and lock on to a man myself, I did as a player but I can’t from the touchline, so it will be hard work training next week to try and put it right.”
He added: “We didn’t want to sit back, we wanted to win the game and I expected us to because we have some very good players in there, it’s just sickening you can’t see a game out.
“I’m furious about the manner in which we conceded from a set piece, but I have to give the players an immense amount of credit. They are giving everything for the badge, but just not seeing a game out when it’s there to be won.”
Gime Toure, who returned to the starting line-up in place of Alex Fisher who was out of the squad on compassionate live, opened the scoring for Yeovil after just three minutes, before a needless free-kick conceded by goalkeeper Grant Smith gifted the visitors an equaliser just four minutes later.
The performance was a vast improvement from recent matches including a 1-0 defeat against York City in the last outing at Huish Park where Hargreaves’ side was booed off the pitch.
The boss said: “The players gave everything and were outstanding in listening to our game plan and creating chances, they did it all but in both boxes is where it matters.
“I don’t think it’s luck, it’s a bit of (a lack of) experience, realising the danger but I’m pleased the fans saw us play well, played the team that’s top of the table off the park for the majority of the game.
“We didn’t get what we deserved, but we have got to change that. We know we are a very good side in the making, but I can’t accept that at the moment.”
With more than 850 appearances among the six men who made up their defence when Uchegbulam struck, inexperience is an excuse perhaps only on loan Owen Bevan, making just his third professional start, can claim.
Hargreaves was full of praise for Toure who looked a threat all game as well as chipping in with his second goal since joining shortly after the season.
He said: “Gime was fantastic every time he got the ball, he was a threat, he was brave getting in to pockets and looked like he was back to his best. It was a good moment for him to score, he’s got goals in him, we just have to keep them fit.”
There was also praise for Finley Craske, the versatile Plymouth Argyle youngster who looked impressive after coming on as a 67th minute substitute for Sam Pearson.
The boss added: “When you have been out of the team you can become frustrated and disillusioned and your attitude can drop off and it’s been the reverse with Fin.
“He’s been the epitome of what a young professional should be which is determined, behind the lads who are playing in his position, but when he gets his chance he shows bravery and fight.”