Manager reacts after heavy derby defeat
Mark Robins felt Leeds United’s goal on the stroke of half time “knocked the wind out of his side’s sails” as they suffered their heaviest defeat of the season.
United scored four unanswered second half goals to record a 5-1 victory at Elland Road.
“We deserved what we got today; our second half performance was poor,” said Mark. “The goal on half time took the wind out of our sails after having played really well.
“We couldn’t get going in the second half and we looked nervous. We were on the back foot for large parts and they kept turning us at ease. Conceding early in the second half compounded the goal at the end of the first.”
Nahki Wells and Danny Ward passed up good opportunities at 2-1 and Leeds made Town pay.
“There were times when we looked dangerous on the break, but again we passed up good chances, which is becoming a big factor in our last few games. We also had numerous in the first half, which would have made the second half totally different.
“However, we ended up on the back foot, conceded poor goals and our naïve defending cost us.
“We need to learn and move on quickly. Hopefully we will have one or two back because one or two need a rest.”
James Vaughan, Jonathan Hogg and Joel Lynch all missed the clash at Elland Road, while Anthony Gerrard had to leave the pitch five minutes from time with a head injury.
“It is easy to say that we are missing key players, but we are a Club that prides itself on giving youngsters a chance,” Mark said. “I need to pick points up to stay in my post, though. I am mindful that we haven’t one in four, but I won’t overreact. Today is a bad day and we feel embarrassed, but we can’t dwell on it. We need to bounce back.”
There was some good news though, with Mark revealing that all three are close to a return: “Joel Lynch is back in training and I hopeful that Jonathan Hogg will be back for next week. Also, James Vaughan will hopefully start training next week.”
January signing Joe Lolley was handed his debut as a second half substitute and Mark was pleased with his cameo.
“We wanted to have a look at him and it was tough for him with the match as it was, but I thought he was excellent. He held the ball well, took it past players and looked quick.
“He was lively and bright and is a positive that we can take.”
