‘We Were Comfortable’ McFarland

Chestefield boss Roy McFarland seemed to watch a different game to me on Friday night, apparently Pools weren’t a threat and Chesterfield were comfortable!

McFarland told the Chesterfield official website:-

‘I’m disappointed to lose in the manner that we lost. We created enough chances – five very good ones in the second half – to have drawn, or won. Caleb had an excellent chance five yards out and should have put the ball beyond the goalkeeper but didn’t, and we paid the penalty.

We handled them well in the second half and they weren’t a threat. They had a number of dubious free kicks in the first half and lots of corners but we dealt with them; they didn’t really create any chances from them. We were comfortable, but we didn’t pick our football up in the second half. We didn’t move the ball better. And we picked up three injuries, which disrupted the system. That change left us a little bit vulnerable and we lost the goal.’

I suppose Roy is only saying what the Chesterfield fans and board want to hear. Fact is losing to Pools was a little bit embarrasing for Spireites, they arrived at the Vic with a long unbeaten run, we were in footballing turmoil and they still managed to leave empty handed, that’s life.

Paul Stephenson now turns his attentions to Tuesday nights trip to Tranmere Rovers. Stevo has an unbeaten start to his Pools managerial career and will be looking to continue in the same manner at Prenton Park.