Chris Martin insisted Tuesday’s game against Shrewsbury Town is the perfect opportunity to put things right after the Gas lost 3-2 to Rotherham United on Saturday.
The Pirates were looking to return to winning ways against the Milers after back-to-back away defeats to Wycombe Wanderers and Northampton Town and got off to a perfect start after Ruel Sotiriou struck the opener inside five minutes.
Steve Evans’ men turned the score around through goals from Sam Nombe and Zak Jules before Sil Swinkels' header levelled the score with 20 minutes left to play. Rovers had the momentum, but Nombe netted again in stoppage time to hand Rotherham the victory.
Reflecting on the contest, Martin was disappointed with the way the fixture concluded.
“I’m bitterly disappointed with the way the game ended,” he said. “I thought once we got the equaliser, I felt like we were on top at that time, so there was maybe a bit of a lull after we scored, which has seemed to have happened a few times with goals and how we react to them.
“So, I think that’s something we can look at, but at that stage, it did feel like we were in the ascendancy. It’s a body blow to concede so late on and in the manner as well. It was a free kick that wasn’t necessary for us to give away. It was not dealt with. So, lots to reflect on after that.”
With Rotherham leading on the hour mark, Iñigo Calderón made a triple change. Taylor Moore, Luke Thomas and Promise Omochere were brought on, with the hosts switching to a two-striker formation.
The Gas gained momentum and created plenty of chances before Swinkels scored his second goal for the Pirates since joining on loan from Aston Villa.
Martin admitted Rovers enjoyed their best spell after the changes and praised Omochere on his return from injury.
“We had a decent spell once we switched and went to two up front,” said the striker. “I feel like we had our most success throughout the game. We were a bit more positive. I think we played forward a little bit quicker and ran forward a bit more. But throughout the course of the game, we didn’t play anywhere near our best football and at our best level. Lots to work on, improve on and try and asses it and see exactly where we think went wrong.
“In terms of having Promise up there, that was nice to have some support up there. I did feel like we weren't able to sustain our attacks up to that point.
“It felt like to me that we lacked quality today in possession. Especially when we were playing forward. But in that spell, I think we had a little bit more quality. I think we were able to put a little bit more pressure on them. Promise is obviously a big, strong lad and is fast.
“He was getting in the channels, and I think we linked up fairly well at times and occupied their centre-backs a little bit better. We put them under a little bit more pressure. I guess that’s an option for us as a team, depending on what the manager wants us to do. We saw a little bit there that it could have some success, whether that will be the case moving forward, who knows what’s going to happen.
"I think we can still be more effective in the formation we started with, too. I think there’s lots of areas for improvement today and too many mistakes and a lack of quality, and I think that told at the end. Although, albeit, we were at 2-2, and if you can’t win it, obviously they say don’t lose it. We weren't able to see the game out. It was a very frustrating ending, and I think that’s how the dressing room felt after.”
Rovers have now lost their last three games in the third tier and will be attempting to turn a corner when they go to bottom of the league Shrewsbury on Tuesday. The Gas are without a victory on the road since beating Cambridge United at the start of January, with Martin believing the upcoming fixture gives his side a chance to bounce back.
"I think once you’ve lost a game, to have one so quickly is a positive because you’re able to prove your qualities as a team again,” he said. “Whether you have to use the doubters as motivation, I guess that depends on you as an individual, but I think to have a game so quickly, you’re almost able to forget about this one.
“Although, I'm sure we’ll go over this on Monday and put to bed the areas that we need to improve on. But to have one to look forward to and a big game, too, we can’t dwell. We cannot dwell. As much as we are frustrated right now, and there is lots to look at, it’s a big game on Tuesday, and we have to be bang up for it.
“The home form has helped us in recent weeks for sure, but the away form has not been anywhere near good enough. We know that. It’s a perfect opportunity to put that right on Tuesday.”
