Graham Coughlan | “It’s a real tough one to take…”

Manager Graham Coughlan praised his side’s battling qualities despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at Stockport County on Saturday afternoon.

Paddy Madden’s late second-half strike was enough to hand the Hatters all three points in Manchester. 

“It was a difficult afternoon, “ began the Exiles boss.

“We didn’t look after the ball well enough and we didn’t create an awful lot. We had one or two moments but we didn’t get on the back of them or weren’t clinical.

“They were the better team. They had more chances but when you’re in a game like that you have to dig deep and bite down on your gum shield and come away with something.

“Their pressure was relentless but our lads stood tall. Defensively we were solid, organised, and structured and Nick Townsend I thought was outstanding. 

“The commitment and hard work the lads put in today, it’s a real tough one to take. 

“The good teams in this league get those decisions but on the whole Stockport probably deserved to win. However, given the circumstances, I feel we deserved a clean sheet. 

“It was a good battle out there and I’m all for that and fights, but I believe our players deserve better because they are a very honest bunch. We have one of the best disciplinaries in the whole of the division and I'm really proud of that. 

“But It’s very hard to accept decisions at the moment and everything seems to go against us. 

He finished: “We can’t wait for Tuesday night. We have to maintain our standards. We’re looking forward to returning home. It stings losing to last-minute goals but I do feel as though the lads have come on leaps and bounds. 

“I think we’ve come a long way in the last 12 to 18 months. To go toe-to-toe with the likes of Mansfield and Stockport, we’re building. 

“Hopefully we can get as many points as we possibly can now towards the end of the season."