Bridgwater Town boss: "We'll recover from opening day defeat" (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Bridgwater Town boss: "We'll recover from opening day defeat"

12:43pm Sunday 15th August 2010 in

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Bridgwater Town boss Rob Dray says it could take around a month before his new-look side fully gels.

Dray said he was pleased with his side’s overall display in their 3-0 home defeat to Abingdon United yesterday (click the link below for the match report), but rued the “naivety” which led to the visitors’ opening two goals, and the lack of a cutting edge up front.

Bridgwater spent much of the second half camped in their opponents’ half, without forcing their keeper to make too many saves.

Dray said: “It was very disappointing to lose and the most disappointing thing was that we have been working really hard on our defensive shape and we made two basic errors for the first two goals.

“If you make basic errors at this level you get punished.

“We are all frustrated because we felt it was a game we could win.”

Dray said the 3-0 scoreline had flattered Abingdon, adding: “There were a lot of positives. Chris Young came back and played a full 90 minutes; Mike McKay played his first game at this level for two years, and Simon Lyons, who was making his competitive debut for us, will be an excellent signing.

“I think it will take a month or so for the players to know how they fit into the system but we will get there.”

Dray described the feeling of leading his side out for the first time in a competitive match as “fantastic.”

He said: “It’s great to be a Southern League manager, especially in front of the Bridgwater fans.

“We are the biggest club in this league, without doubt, and we have the best fans.

“They cheered us off at the end like we had won a cup final, because they know the situation we’re in, and they know we need them.

“They were like having a 12th and 13th man.”

Bridgwater will have to cope without the Fairfax Park faithful tomorrow night, when they take on Mangotsfield United away.

On Saturday, Bridgwater are away at Frome Town.