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Gallen: Poor Goals Cost Us

Assistant manager reflects on defeat at Bristol Rovers

16 February 2021

Joe Gallen
Photo: Graham Hunt
Fixture News

Gallen: Poor Goals Cost Us

Assistant manager reflects on defeat at Bristol Rovers

16 February 2021

It was an extremely rare off night for the Blues on their League One travels this season.

Blackpool had previously been the only team to send them home empty-handed, but Bristol Rovers joined the list.

John Marquis had opened the scoring for the visitors, only for some sloppy play to ensure the Pirated ended up with a 3-1 victory.

Jonah Ayunga took advantage by bagging a brace, while Luke Leahy added another goal from the spot after being fouled by Sean Raggett.

Marquis then missed a stoppage-time time penalty, leaving Joe Gallen to reflect on a disappointing display.

Pompey’s assistant manager said: “Our away form this season has been very good and we’ve had some excellent results on the road.

“It’s unlike us to concede that many goals in a match and it’s given us a lot to do. That’s why we’ve ended up with nothing.

"It’s difficult to criticise any players, though – particularly the defenders – because they’ve performed very well this season."

Joe Gallen

“Their two forwards played in a direct way and it’s caused us a lot of problems in the first half, while the third goal is a mistake and it’s taken the game away from us.

“It’s difficult to criticise any players, though – particularly the defenders – because they’ve performed very well this season.

“We’ve kept plenty of clean sheets and have won a lot of games because we’ve managed to keep the scoring down for our opponents.

“Sean is having an outstanding season – there aren’t too many centre-backs better than him in this division.

“He’ll knows that he’s made an error, but he’s got plenty of character and I know he’ll bounce back from that.”

Blues boss Kenny Jackett took in the match from home as he prepares for a operation later this week.

Gallen said: “Kenny watched the game on iFollow and I was in regular contact with him about the changes, the shape and any decisions that needed to be made.”


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