Ronnie Henry on Hereford defeat and looks ahead to Dartford clash
“One-sided” - that was the term used by so many after Luton's 1-0 defeat away at Hereford last Tuesday.
The Hatters dominated proceedings with possession, attempts and corner statistics all telling a confusing tale as to how Paul Buckle's men returned to Bedfordshire without so much of a point for their trouble.
With the frustration and anguish etched on every individual that left the pitch that night it is unsurprising the reaction from the players is one of bemusement.
That astonishment was personified by skipper Ronnie Henry who spoke to the press after the lights had shut off at Edgar Street.
For a player who has tasted football at a higher level it was no surprise that the Hatters’ leader found it tough to take as his side pummelled Hereford for the majority of the game yet came away without reward.
“I'm sure I've been involved in a couple of games similar to this, but tonight was something else,” said the 28-year-old.
“We started off okay, let them in the game a couple of times but I think they've only had one shot on goal in the whole 90 minutes and to be fair they've bent it right in the top corner.
“The rest of the game we've been going forward and it just hasn't fallen for us. We've had it cleared off the line a couple of times, it was just so one sided but they've defended for their lives and you can see what it means to them by their reaction at full time.
“It’s disappointing not to get three points, we definitely deserved to and I think anyone you ask who watched the game will say it’s probably one of the most one sided games they have seen.”
With such a monumental effort form the entire team given on Tuesday night it is hardly surprising that there were a few glum faces after the final whistle. Henry, however, says despite the disappointment he and his team-mates will take positives from the game and head into Saturday more ready than ever.
“The lads were so disappointed in the changing room,” said the former Stevenage skipper,
“But we're going to be, if we didn't deserve to win the game then we will come out and admit that but we did deserve to win the game. We've got to pick our heads up and look forward to a big game at home on Saturday and I'm sure the lads will take the positives from tonight and move on.”
Prior to Hereford, Town had only tasted defeat once in eight games with Henry a consistent performer within that run. Henry divulged into his recent performances after a shaky start to life at Kenilworth Road.
“When I first came here I had a dodgy start getting sent off,” admitted Henry. “But now I've had a good run in the side, playing well and happy with my performances. The lads are working hard every day and we're all in it together.”
With new additions Arnaud Mendy and Jonathan Smith being thrust into action with very little time to settle, Henry praised his new team-mates on their professionalism upon their arrival.
“They've come in an fit in the team very well, they're good lads off the pitch as well which helps. They want to play the same way we do which is welcomed by the other lads,” said the skipper.
“They've come in and got straight down to business which you've seen with Jonathan Smith against Hereford who signed on the day and has done very well.”