Yeovil Town boss Chris Hargreaves was full of praise for Eastleigh after Yeovil let a 1-0 lead slip on the south coast on Tuesday.
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins, he admitted that the players and he were disappointed with the draw, but were looking forward.
“They’re (Eastleigh) are a good side, first and foremost. First half we looked dangerous, second half they improved, they changed the shape, they changed the bodies and were a different proposition entirely.
“We didn’t get our foot on the ball and play when we could, we went too long and were erratic at times. I had a chat with the players and I will do again tomorrow (Wednesday), I think on the road it’s a good point against a very good side.
“They (Eastleigh) have a squad of good players, there’s no doubt about it – you’re not going to roll teams like this over.
“You take the lead, you look on the front foot and then it’s a step back with a mentality where – especially second half – we just didn’t play enough.”
Hargreaves said that the side would be working towards the weekend’s fixture against table-toppers Chesterfield and trying to make better decisions and create better chances.
“It’s playing in the right areas, it’s having the courage to play – that’s what we encouraged at half time and it didn’t materialise. So, it’s looking at the game again, trying to understand what we can do better and working out how to beat Chesterfield.
“(If) you take the lead in any game, you’ve got to see it out, to be honest, did we create enough second half? No we didn’t.
“There’s still some boys learning the game out there, but there’s enough experience to solidify it and get a foothold in it and relax on the ball when we have time.
“You’re going to get periods of pressure, I know that, but when you have got the ball – just make the right decision… and that’s what I was disappointed with.”
There was plenty of praise for the Glovers’ goal scorer Sam Pearson and Grant Smith who make numerous saves to keep his side in the game.
“I think there were some tired legs out there, but as I say, players like Sam Pearson, this is a big introduction to a very aggressive, competitive league and we’re asking him to do a lot.
“It’s a great finish (by Pearson) I think that the reason he played in the pocket there is that he can pick the ball up and hurt the opposition, I’m really pleased for him a good moment for him.”
Interestingly, the gaffer also referenced the supporters’ frustrations, just one win in eight now since the start of the season, but promised the work was being done behind the scenes.
“So, there were some elements I was pleased with, I have to say the support was incredible and I get the frustrations, 100%, because they want to see us win, but, a point away at a very good Eastleigh side is OK. It’s just what the fans saw in the first 25 minutes, and some dangerous spells in the first half, didn’t happen second half.
“We know what we want to do in the changing room, there’s no two ways about it, we’ve got to take this model of a point away and three points at home and see that out. I know that a lot of the boys in there are annoyed and they don’t want to be where we are – and neither do I. But, as I say, it’s a point on the road, we dust ourselves off and look forward to the next game because it’s a brilliant challenge for us.”
The boss reflected on #YTFC‘s draw with Eastleigh. pic.twitter.com/8b797ji6DP
— Yeovil Town F.C. (@YTFC) September 13, 2022