John Eustace was left frustrated by Blackburn Rovers' inability to defend their box in the last minute as they lost 2-1 at Plymouth Argyle.
Morgan Whittaker headed in the winner for the hosts in the 97th minutes. It was a real sucker-punch for Rovers having scored late themselves to equaliser.
Joe Rankin-Costello was one of three substitutes who made a real impact after coming. Alongside Todd Cantwell and Amario Cozier-Duberry, they added a spark in what had been a dull performance until then.
Eustace explained that the game plan was to keep the game tight and then use the bench to open the match-up. He felt that worked but was disappointed at the manner of the winning goal.
READ MORE: ROVERS PLAYER RATINGS AS SUBSTITUTES IMPRESS BUT STARTERS STRUGGLE
"I thought for the first hour we stayed in the game. The plan was always to try and open the game up on 60 minutes, make positive changes and they did that," Eustace said.
"We didn't want to concede the goal in the manner we did but the lads stuck to their task. When we brought the subs on I thought there was only one team that was going to go on and win it.
"We scored a good equaliser and we had some good moments after that. To concede in the manner that we did right at the end was very, very disappointing and something that we have to work on.
"First half, we won the ball back in the first half on a number of occasions which was the game plan. But we weren't good enough in the final third, decision-making wasn't good enough.
"That was disappointing. We knew on 60 minutes, we had a fantastic bench to bring those players on. The game opened right up which suited those players."
Eustace felt Rovers didn't show enough aggression on the second phase of the cross for the winning goal. Plymouth won the first header but Whittaker was then unmarked to head into the corner.
"I am very disappointed, we got ourselves back in the game and felt like we could go on and win it.
"To concede like that is not what we're about. It was very disappointing and you have to do your job, defend the box for your life. When we made the changes on the hour, the players went out and played with freedom because we had nothing to lose.
"When we get back into it, the pressure is on again a little more. It's disappointing we didn't see it through.
"We didn't defend the box well enough, the first contact I don't mind but the second contact, they have outnumbered us. We have to stay in our slots and see the game out."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel