Jake: We only have ourselves to blame in draw
LATE AGONY AGAINST SHREWS BUT BUXTON SEES POSITIVES
JAKE Buxton refused to blame the length of stoppage time or a dubious decision to give Shrewsbury Town a last-gasp corner after Burton Albion saw victory snatched away from them on Tuesday night.
The Brewers looked to be holding out for a 1-0 win which would also have seen them collect their first clean sheet in 21 matches before Shrews’ Daniel Udoh forced the ball home in the 99th minute of the game.
The Burton players also felt the ball may not have crossed the line, the referee’s assistant indicating that it had before referee Anthony Backhouse confirmed the equaliser.
Much as he felt for his players, after what had been a monumental effort at the Montgomery Waters Meadow, boss Buxton noted that they had once again conceded from a set-piece – whatever the circumstances.
“There were loads and loads of positives but it’s disappointing to concede like that, a real kick in the teeth,” said Buxton.
“Right at the end, we had a decision against us which we didn’t feel was a corner. John Brayford headed it straight back on to the lad’s head. It’s tough to take.
“But, even so, you have to defend the box and keep the ball out of your goal and we didn’t quite do that. It’s been a problem for us for a long time.
“At the end of the day, we didn’t do our job for 98 minutes. We did it for 97 minutes and 50 seconds.
“We looked solid with John Brayford back in there. He and Sam Hughes won as many headers as anyone but a set-play cost us again. We don’t think the ball was over the line but we’re disappointed with the defending.
“I was surprised when six minutes was signalled and surprised when it got up to eight but we don’t blame anyone other than ourselves.
“Whatever decisions are made, whatever decisions go against you, you still have to do your job and take the emotion out of it.”
In terms of the positives, Buxton was pleased with the way his team picked themselves up from a poor display and defeat at home to Blackpool on Saturday.
They were solid defensively for most of the night and took the lead after a sharp break from defence instigated by Charles Vernam and finished by Kane Hemmings after Ryan Edwards had a shot blocked by Shrews keeper Harry Burgoyne.
“We were poor on Saturday against Blackpool and we picked the lads up for a performance,” said Buxton.
“Every man was outstanding, so we’re disappointed with the result and the manner of it at the end.
“We defended the box quite well all night. I didn’t see too many mistakes, which is a massive improve
ment on how we’ve been over the last few weeks.
“The togetherness of the group out on the pitch was outstanding, We spoke about eliminating mistakes like giving cheap fouls away and losing your man at set-pieces. We did that to a great extent. We’re close and we’re getting there.
“The lads are on their knees because they expected to get three points and we believe they should have done.
“They came out of the blocks well and were bright.
“They ran their legs into the ground but, ultimately, we didn’t keep a clean sheet again.
“We had a performance which deserved one but we didn’t and we have to move on.
“We’ll go again. We have to stay together even though it hurts. It hurts me, the players, everyone watching at home but we have to go again.”