Michael Forbes believes Bristol Rovers should have performed better in their 3-2 loss to Exeter City in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
The Gas went behind either side of half-time, but Connor Taylor and Isaac Hutchinson twice equalised to bring the score level heading into the final stages. However, the visitors won it through Demetri Mitchell, who fired in from close range off the bench.
The Pirates made several changes heading into the contest with the Grecians and are out of the competition after collecting one point from their three games.
Forbes reflected honestly at full-time and was disappointed with the performance.
“The result is really disappointing, and the performance was a bit disappointing too,” he said. “With the group of players, we had out there we definitely could have put on a better display.
“The game had a lot of ups and downs. They obviously got the first one, which I could have done better with, and then we got one back, and it felt like we were back in the game nicely.
“But we knew we still had to improve at half-time, and then we just didn’t start the second half the way we wanted to. I feel like we have to be better, as it’s a lot of the boys that aren’t in the league team. So, we’re all being rotated, and it’s maybe our first proper minutes for a long time.
“It is tough, but we should still be performing better as a team and putting a better display out there for ourselves. I think it’s been a really disappointing Bristol Street Motors campaign for us with only getting one point.”
Forbes was one of several players to come into the team to get more minutes, with the West Ham United loanee delighted to get back on the pitch after working hard in training.
“It’s really good to get more minutes,” he said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had minutes, so I was really happy knowing that I was starting the game tonight. I just tried to give everything I had out there, to be really aggressive and keep it simple, but I’ll just try and build the performance.
“You always have to keep yourself ready because even in the league, you never know about injuries and suspensions. It’s happened before where boys have been called upon, and they have to come in and play in the league.
“You have to work hard every day and be ready whenever your moment comes.”
The Gas will now turn their attention to another three successive games at The Memorial Stadium, starting with Weston-super-Mare in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Forbes is looking forward to the Gas entering the competition and is hoping his side can give the fans something to cheer about.
“The FA Cup is a special competition with all the teams in England playing in it,” he said. “Hopefully, there is good support here back at the Mem. They can get behind us, and we can get a good result for them.”
