Josh Griffiths said Bristol Rovers' 2-1 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers was difficult to accept after a promising start to the match.
The Gas took the lead in the first half after Scott Sinclair scored his first goal this season, but the hosts could not hold onto the win.
Daniel Harvie struck a superb equaliser before Joe Low’s header completed the comeback for the Chairboys with seconds remaining.
Griffiths was pleased with Rovers’ positive first half and stated it was tough to concede such a late second goal.
"It’s a bitter pill to swallow so late in the game," he said. "I thought the first half was quite positive and was one of our better ones so far this season. I thought we controlled the game relatively well, but there were plenty of areas to improve.
"From where we have been, I think it was better and had a good feeling going into half-time. In the second half, we came out and couldn’t quite carry on that momentum for whatever reason.
"That happens, and it’s up to us to ride it out and take a point at the end. The late goal has just killed us. It’s tough to accept."
The Pirates were in control heading into the final fifteen minutes, but Wycombe gained momentum after levelling the score and completed the comeback in the final stages.
Griffiths stated that his side should have reacted better to conceding but is not using the youthfulness of the squad as an excuse.
“When they score their first goal, their tails are going to be up,” said the goalkeeper. “Then, you’ve got to see out the next five minutes and try and get some field position or control in the game and go and get the winner if the confidence is there. As it should be at home.
“We’ve got good enough players and everyone around it to go and win the game. It’s on us for the last few kicks of the game. We have to see that out better.
“We are a younger group, but we can’t use that as an excuse. We’ve all played enough games to know how football works as it’s unforgiving, as we’ve seen today.
“It’s for us lads that have played a bit more or have more games under our belt to get everyone together. We know that we are going through a difficult moment, but we all have to stick together, and things will definitely come good. I really believe that.”
Rovers have conceded multiple goals from corners recently, with the Gas finding it difficult to stop the opposition from scoring from set-pieces.
Griffiths insisted that the blame cannot be put on individuals and that they must improve as a team.
“That’s on me and us,” he said. “There’s enough people in there to deal with it. I don’t think I can get out as the guy is blocking me, but there’s no excuse there as we’ve all got to deal with that together as a group.
“I take responsibility and I know the other lads will do as well. We have to deal with that better as a team. It’s not on individuals. We have to come together and help each other."
October is a busy month for the Gas, who play eight games across two competitions, starting with Charlton Athletic in League One on Tuesday.
Griffiths suggested that he enjoys this time in the football calendar and believes it only takes one result to change fortunes around.
“I love it when there’s loads of games,” said Griffiths. “You can really get momentum. We know that we are going through a difficult spell. Everyone around the club knows that.
“We come here on Tuesday night, and one result can really start that and get us going. I think one result and a bit more belief is all it takes. I think it’s an exciting month with a lot of football to be played.
“We have to see that as a positive.”
