Basic instincts were lacking

WHETHER or not the players feel more pressure performing at home, there is no excuse for not doing the basics — and that is exactly what led to our downfall in the 2-0 loss to Brentford at Boundary Park.

It has been suggested in some quarters the lads are nervous playing in front of their own fans, and the fact we are doing better on our travels than we are at home is something we are looking into and trying to pinpoint.

But we work hard during the week on carrying out the basic tasks and I just feel we simply did not take it into the match.

We certainly did not hit the heights of which we are capable.

We created quite a few chances but the players did not look like they wanted to convert them enough in front of goal, which as a coach is naturally disappointing to see.

After two successive victories on the road we went into the game buzzing and full of confidence, sure of the fact we could take three points from an average Brentford team.

But it was not to be and we have to get straight back on the horse tomorrow when we head to Exeter.

There is no need to hit the panic button, especially after some positive performances prior to our loss to the Bees.

Sadly, we are still missing a number of players through injury so it is difficult to shuffle the pack too much even if we wanted to.

Captain Dean Furman can hopefully rejoin training next week which is a big boost, but we are still without Josh Parker and Paul Black.

I think we have also missed having the option of big James Tarkowski at the heart of the defence.

He sustained his foot injury at an unfortunate time — just at the beginning of pre-season.

Tarky is over the knock now, but is still lacking match fitness.

As for Exeter, they are having a rough time at the moment.

But they are one of those teams who, if you take them lightly, will stamp all over you and go away with the win.

Last season we lost 2-0 at their place and drew 3-3 at Boundary Park, having led 3-0 — the players still at this club who featured in those fixtures will feel they have a point to prove.