Grant Ward believes Bristol Rovers will improve as the season progresses after losing 2-0 to Stockport County in Sky Bet League One.
The Hatters scored either side of half-time through Louie Barry and Kyle Wootton to claim their third successive victory in the third tier, leaving them at the top of the table.
The Pirates had collected four points from their first two matches, beating Northampton Town 1-0 before a 0-0 draw with Rotherham United, but suffered their first league defeat of the season.
Ward was pleased with the way his side started but was disappointed that the game got away from them.
“It was a tough game,” said Ward. “I thought we started the game well, and we were well in it. We had a few chances to score and probably didn’t capitalise on that.
“Then a little mistake, they got a lot of momentum from it, and we found it hard to get back in the game from then.
“Especially at home, I thought we quietened the crowd a little bit at the start, but once they got that goal and the crowd got behind them, it’s tough.”
While the Gas have now failed to score in their last two league matches, Matt Taylor’s men created several opportunities before Stockport took the lead through Barry’s brilliant strike.
Ward insisted that the first goal was vital and that the attack will get better.
“I thought we created quite a lot of chances,” said the midfielder. “Even though we could’ve been a lot better with the ball, both teams had chances, and it was just who was going to score.
“We’ve got to do better with the chances that we do have, and if we keep the ball a little bit better, I think we can create more chances. So, just some work to do. We’ll go back and start again.
“Everyone is getting used to each other's games, and I think the more we play together, that will come together.”
Ward had an injury-hit campaign last season and only played twenty league matches. He has started all three of Rovers’ games in the third tier and is hoping to stay fit.
“It’s been good for me personally,” he said. “I’m feeling fit now. I think I’m trying to manage my minutes a little bit more, which I think has been working.
“So, I’m feeling good and hopefully can stay injury-free. I just want to be here, be available for selection and do my best for the team.”
