Gloucester City manager Mike Cook insists that his side wont give up in their fight for safety despite a 2-1 defeat by Tamworth.
Danny Wright gave the Tigers a shock lead, before goals from Ben Milnes and Daniel Creaney gave the league leaders all three points.
“I’m disappointed because I thought we played really well tonight, I couldn’t defend the players on Saturday and I hope that game ruined their weekend like it ruined mine,” Cook said.
“It was a lot better tonight, the performance, the energy and we had a little bit more quality and we should’ve been three-nil up by the time they scored their first goal.”
The defeat leaves City 23rd in the National League North table and 11 points from safety with eight games remaining, with the threat of relegation for the first time in 15 years looking a real possibility.
Cook responded to that outcome, saying that he “wasn’t going to give up just yet”.
“I’ve had a few good conversations with the board and the supporters and we wanted to give everyone the same message that we will keep going until the bitter end and do everything that we possibly can do to stay up.”
“At times when it feels like you’re playing against 12, 13 men with the referee and the linesman it doesn’t make anything any better.” He said. “We’re going to stick together, keep some dignity and you can get pretty far with that.”
Despite dominating for the majority of the game and taking the lead Wright in the 58th minute, table-toppers Tamworth prevailed winners, thanks to an 89th minute winner from Creaney.
“At the moment we just aren’t getting those little bits of luck that you need when you’re in the position that we are but I thought the quality was there for us with Wrighty and Theo (Robinson) up front, they did really well.”
When City were leading at 1-0, forward Brandon Smalley was brought down just inside the Tamworth penalty area however the referee awarded a free-kick to the visitors, with Smalley receiving a booking for simulation.
“I really can’t understand that decision and how he’s given that,” Cook continued. “I think the referee needs to have a long look at himself and on his performance because I thought he was terrible tonight.”
In the defeat to Boston, Cook was vocal about his players’ performances and labelled many as “unfit for the level”, however with last nights’ reaction he had plenty to be proud of.
