Lee Holmes admitted there was an overall feeling of disappointment inside the Exeter City changing room following their 1-0 loss at home to Bury, despite the team putting in what was a pleasing performance.
Bury, who went into the match unbeaten in their last 10 games in all competitions, won the match when Nicky Maynard’s second-half shot ricocheted off Archie Collins and into the back of the net.
However, it was City who looked the more threatening team throughout and the Grecians were unfortunate not to score when Ryan Bowman’s first-half header was well saved by Joe Murphy.
“Firstly, I am disappointed,” said Lee. “I think we felt at half-time that we were dominating the game and if we had scored in the first half it would have been a different game, obviously.
“I don’t think Christy Pym has had many opportunities where he has had to pull out a worldy save. So, it is disappointing, to say the least.”
Bury have also scored more goals than anyone in the division this season so to reduce them to few chances at goal is another pleasing aspect for City.
“There is no question that they are a very good team at this level and I think we went toe-to-toe with them today and probably edge the game,” added Lee.
“So, there are always positives that you can take from the game. There will also be things we need to look at and work on but, all in all, it is disappointing because we gave a great account of ourselves and that has not been turned into three points.”
City also gave a debut to Donovan Wilson, while Randell Williams and Ryan Bowman came into the starting XI, for the injured Lee Martin and Jonathan Forte, and performed well.
It shows that there is competition for places, which Lee admits there has to be if the club is serious about getting promoted.
“We are coming to what everyone calls the business end of the season, so we need everyone firing and pulling in the right direction.
“We have had a few injuries today that has meant other players have come in and you need those players to be coming in and firing and doing everyone proud at the club.
“I thought the players that came in did that. I thought Ryan (Bowman) up front was a different gear, a handful all day and on another day he scores one of those headers and it is a different game.
“I think as a squad we are good and if everyone is putting in good performances it gives the manager a bit of decision and the more players you have got doing that the more success you will have.”