Hardy says ‘Stafford wanted victory more’

Yesterday’s defeat at the hands of Stafford Rangers was disappointing for everyone involved with Whitby Town Football Club, but Chris Hardy believes that ‘Stafford wanted it more’.

And with the Blues safe in mid-table, it was evident to see why the feet had perhaps been taken off the gas going into the final weeks of the campaign.

With Rangers fighting for survival at the bottom end of the table, points at this stage of the season are crucial and they showed their desire as they ran out 2-1 winners.

“I’m disappointed with that,” Hardy said.

“I think it was evident that Stafford perhaps wanted the result more than we did. They’re fighting for their lives and identified that three points would get them closer to where they needed to be.

“They fought for it and contested everything. They also scored their goals at good times for them to give them a buffer going into the second 45.”

Remaining on the point of goal scoring times, Stafford taking the lead after just two minutes was the worst possible start for the Seasiders as Hardy’s plans went straight out of the window.

The manager also believed that the second goal just before half time ultimately killed the game off from Whitby’s point of view, something which proved to be the case with a conciliation coming towards the end of the game.

“It changes the dynamics of the game,” Hardy admitted.

“Going into half time we thought that only being 1-0 down would give us the opportunity to re-group but with them converting on right on half time, it gives them a cushion.

“But I’ve got no complaints about the outcome of the result. We were short of big performances where we needed them and that was a big number.”

A major aspect of the game that disappointed Hardy was the lack of attacking moves created by his side with their first shot on target resulting in Bradley Fewster’s late consolation.

In the last few weeks, the Blues were starting to create some good openings on a regular basis during games which would be another disappointing aspect in that Whitby were unable to create anything meaningful yesterday afternoon.

“We didn’t use the opportunity to create chances in the first 45,” said Hardy.

“Being more creative would have got us further up the field. We would have asked more questions but that certainly didn’t happen.

“The second 45 became a scrap and it was difficult on a difficult playing surface and they adapted to them well and had more of an appetite.”

Follow this link to watch Chris Hardy’s post-match interview with Paul Connolly. If you’re a Facebook user, make sure you like the page.

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