Bristol Rovers: Both managers had their say as Shrimpers drew 1-1 with Pirates at Roots Hall on Saturday afternoon. Sturrock: 'As the game went on it was one we could have lost' Blues boss Paul Sturrock hopes his team will learn lessons after they were forced to share the points with the Pirates at the weekend while remaining top of League Two on goal difference over the creepies. Former Shrimpers striker Matt Harrold returned to Roots Hall to jeers from the home fans but silenced them by scoring the Pirates' equaliser four minutes after coming off the bench. His goal cancelled out Neil Harris' second-half opener for the Southend. Sturrock told the PA: "It was one of our most disappointing performances at home this season and as the game went on it was one we could have lost. We did have some clear-cut chances to win it in the second half but we were a bit lethargic compared to our recent standards." He certainly wasn't a happy Luggs, then again when is he, even when we win! Sturrock continued: "There was not the edge to our play and many of our players were off the pace. Our final ball was not good enough but, saying that, it was Bristol Rovers' only chance that they scored from. It's important we learn lessons from this as there are teams who are going to come here and make it difficult for us. But we have paid a penalty for not taking our chances." A new striker needed thoug? Vote here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Buckle: 'I believe we can do things over the next few years' Pirates boss Paul Buckle hopes his sides draw with leaders Southend can be the catalyst for an improved run of form.
Bristol Rovers, currently languishing in 18th position, will hope the result turns their current poor run around.
Buckle told the PA: "You can see why they are top of the league but we thoroughly deserved a point because the desire was there for all to see. We are certainly getting there but it's been a tough time of late so it's nice to come here a get a point."
One thing I would remind Paul is the last manager who felt a point at Roots Hall was the start of better things to come, and it's a sure sign how the team has moved on that mere draws are looked on like victories now, was Gary Johnson at Northampton in the 2-2 comeback game, and looked what happened to him.
Buckle concluded: "There has been a lot of stuff going against us recently but the boys did not drop their heads and hopefully the result can kick-start our season. It's been a crazy season and it's not going to happen overnight but if we can be patient then I believe we can do things over the next few years."
Source: FOOTYMAD
