Club

NATHAN JONES | "IT'S ANOTHER POINT TOWARDS OUR TOTAL, WHICH IS ALL WE CAN CONCENTRATE ON"

Hatters boss Nathan Jones was disappointed with this evening's 1-1 draw with Barnsley but admitted concentration must be placed on the point earned.

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Barnsley substitute Aapo Halme netted an 84th-minute equaliser to cancel out Luke Berry's early opener for the Town, and Jones said: "I’m really disappointed because first-half we started really well and then we allowed them too much of the play, we didn’t go on and get the second, and that’s what I was disappointed with as well.

"Second half I thought we were much better, started really well. We allowed them in certain areas but we always had a threat. The disappointing thing is to concede late because I didn’t see them scoring. We controlled it. We were disciplined in our shape and what we did.

"I thought we controlled the game until that point, so to concede so late, momentum can shift.

"Then we had a glorious chance straight after. If we could score that, then it’s a wonderful night but it wasn’t to be and we have to take the point because this is another point towards the total."

There was debate as to whether Simon Sluga got a fingertip to Simoes Inacio's shot that led to the corner from which Halme's equaliser came.

"We were just annoyed because there was a big delay in terms of when the referee gave it," said Jones. "We’ve had things lately where if the referee doesn’t do it, if the referee doesn’t know, then he gives it to the defending team.

"But look, he’s given it and we have to defend it better, because we defended set-plays well all night. It’s just frustrating because of the lateness of the goal and then the chance after, but we will take the point. It’s another point towards our total which is all we can concentrate on."

Jones couldn't criticise his players, saying they are giving their all in this period of matches that has brought one win and three draws from five games since the restart.

"We want to be better, but this is a nine-game league and we've had to claw back effectively a seven-point deficit and have had very little time to work with the players," he added. "They are giving me everything, they really are. This group are giving me everything.

"I would have liked to have been a bit more on the front foot, controlling the game and in possession slightly more, but off the back of long away journeys and a tired performance at the weekend, I thought we got a reaction today. They worked so hard, they gave me that energy.

"It was great to see Luke Berry back and we looked a threat and with chances, we could have nicked it right at the end."

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