Phil Brown was relieved but realistic in his reflections following Town’s second 3-2 victory at the County Ground this season.
The Gaffer was disappointed with our slow start after Tranmere put themselves two goals to the good after 13 minutes.
“We’ve got an opportunity (this season) and if we don’t take it then it’s purely down to ourselves. It’s purely down to what’s in that changing room from a mental perspective – the ability is there from me and everybody to see. I thought the first half performance was totally unacceptable – it was as if, if somebody laid a glove on us we’d go over.
“We took one hell of a risk putting on Marc Richards – I don’t think he was ready for that at all but that is one hell of a bonus and I mean, better than any red card, any 3-2, three points; it’s better than all of that.”
“We’ve got to get that balance about playing and starting with the right mentality – we were sloppy in training yesterday and I had harsh words with everybody. We just can’t afford to do that – we’re killing ourselves when we have to climb that mountain. Some days we won’t be able to climb that mountain but that final pass and final decision to play a quality ball eventually came today.”
However, alongside Richards’ return to the side he noted Elijah Adebayo’s first goal in Town colours as a positive from the win.
“I’m pleased Elijah got off the mark. You can harp on about the fact that we were against 10 men – you’ve still got to break two banks of four and the goalkeeper. Elijah did that – he’s off and running – the lad’s contributing everything he possibly can.
“I’m also pleased for the monkey to be taken off my back with regards to ‘only one goal from open play’ this season.
“Elijah’s got the weight and experience of Marc Richards with him now and maybe Elijah needs that – somebody willing to take the hits, the physical side and feed off the bits. He’s a young lad and he’s learning the game on the job and that’s the best way and I’m absolutely delighted that he’s off and running.”
