Isaac Hutchinson stated that Bristol Rovers needed to be better in their 3-2 loss to Exeter City in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
The Gas twice levelled after going behind either side of half-time, with Connor Taylor and Isaac Hutchinson scoring before Demetri Mitchell came off the bench to strike a late winner for the Grecians.
The Pirates had a disappointing campaign in the competition and only collected one point from their three outings.
Hutchinson insisted that Rovers had to improve in both boxes but was happy for players to get more time on the pitch.
“It was a weird one,” he said. “With the situation regarding what we needed to get through and the likeliness of it, it was always going to be a tough one to deal with.
"I think overall, as a team, we probably weren't good enough in both boxes tonight. To win the game, we probably needed to be better in our box and maybe a bit more clinical in the attacking third.
"But effort-wise, it was a proper game and probably something the 11 players out there needed to get their minutes and try and get a bit of confidence going."
Exeter won the Southern Group G after winning all three of their matches, previously beating Tottenham Hotspur U21s and Swindon Town. The Grecians' first two goals against the Gas came through defensive mistakes, with Hutchinson suggesting it was an even contest other than that.
“We had good players to bring on, which we did, and I think they did well when they came on,” said Hutchinson. “There wasn’t a lot in the game for the most part. I wouldn’t say they had extra quality because the goals we conceded were our own doing a lot of the time.
"Mistakes happen. They are part of the game, and you have to deal with it. I wouldn’t say their players or substitutes were better than ours. I think it was a pretty even game. We put ourselves in a position where we had a bit of a mountain to climb."
Matt Taylor’s men will now turn their attention to their FA Cup first-round clash against Weston-super-Mare, who are unbeaten in their last 16 outings. It’s the second of four successive games for the Gas at the Memorial Stadium, with Hutchinson focused on getting through to the next round.
“It’s always tough to play against the non-league teams because it’s a massive occasion for them,” said the midfielder. “All we’re focused on is getting to the next round. There’s always talk on the outside of an upset, I’ve been involved in a few of them both ways, winning and losing. They’re always tough.
“It’s a game that we have to treat with the most respect and just do the job.
“They are top of the league, and that’s not something to discount. That level is not a bad level at all. There’s probably a lot of former football league players. They’re definitely games not to be overlooked.”
