Jon Dahl Tomasson reflected on the ‘same old story’ as Rovers failed to make the most of their chances in dropping more points – but was pleased they will take their play-off bid to the final day.
Hayden Carter’s 87th minute equaliser against Luton Town ensured that Rovers still have a chance of a top six going into next Monday’s trip to Millwall.
It will require a win, and other results to go their way, but it was almost mathematically over until Carter cancelled out Tom Lockyer’s opener for the visitors.
“The feeling is disappointment, frustrating that we didn’t get the win we deserved,” Tomasson said.
“On the other hand we played against a very good side who went 1-0 up, relief to get the goal, but if you look at the whole game we were in control first half, creating chances, scoring opportunities, and it’s the same old story, a lack of goals of course.
“The performance at that level at this stage of the season with this young squad not used to playing for the play-offs was brilliant.
“It was great that we got the equaliser, it was deserved, and could you imagine if Sammie’s shot went in rather than hitting the bar.
“We have one final left, so who wouldn’t have taken this that we can play for the play-off spot in the last game of the season, after a long season? I for sure would taken it.
“I know we are needing other results (to go our way) as well but this team has shown another way of getting back, togetherness, energy, and another good performance, but also need to be realistic that it was a defender who scored the goal, his first goal, a player who has developed a lot during the season, not just him but the whole team.”
Rovers, who have scored only 48 goals in 45 league games to date, were again without a recognised senior striker in the squad as Sam Gallagher remains out with a hamstring injury, and the club’s failure to land another forward in the January transfer window continues to haunt them.
“When you’re at this stage of the season you would want your only senior No.9 Sam Gallagher to be involved in every game,” Tomasson added.
“We shouldn’t put any pressure on young Harry, but of course you want a senior striker playing in those games who is used to scoring goals.
“I think we can’t complain about the effort, the performance, can’t complain about the chances being created because at this level it’s more than enough.
“Actually quite brilliant that the players are able to do it week after week.
“It’s more or less the same old story and having the same talk, what we didn’t see was games, that was the only thing.”
Tomasson was pleased with the performance, as he has been for many of the eight games that Rovers have failed to win.
“It’s frustrating, but it makes me proud to see the energy the players are playing with, the belief, the way we’re playing football, this team have come far in playing great football and creating opportunities so all the credit to the lads,” he said.
“Of course we are disappointed because we deserved more but needed to put the ball in the goal.”
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