Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton wasn’t shy in expressing his disappointment after crashing out of the Emirates FA Cup with a disappointing second round exit.
Joey Barton was known as a player for not being shy of a tackle or word and his managerial career continues in similar fashion.
Speaking to the local press after the game Barton was not shy to share his feelings.
“If there is anybody in that dressing room that feels that performance might be accepted, you know how effective and ruthless and efficient we are. Their f****** feet won’t hit the ground if they think that’s the level of performance.
“The FA Cup is great and we want to have a good cup run and visit some grounds. I don’t really give a s*** about it because I’ve played in all these places”.
Whether the home fans will be impressed by his comments is yet to be seen.
So what went wrong for Barton’s men? Looking back on the game, Barton’s side failed to make the 71% count for much, with only two attempts on target in the 90 minutes.
Rovers defender James Connolly told local radio:
“We won’t change mindset-wise, it was just an off day. Everyone has them.”
Barton was stern in his messaging towards his players after the match, assuring the media and fans :
“I don’t like losers, I don’t like spending time with losers. Of the group that lost to us in the first period when I took over, 40 of them have exited the building, staff included.”
Perhaps Monday’s training session will make for an interesting viewing. The tie began with Rovers looking more dominant, the Boreham Wood defence took some time to adjust to the pace of the Rovers frontline.
Speaking after the game Barton also added that he was disappointed his side failed to capitalise on an early spell of success within the first half.
Long periods of the game went by without Rovers managing to create any clear cut chances and as the tie went on the visitors got men behind the ball and looked more and more assured.
That being said, the Boreham Wood defence stood firm and held Rovers to a 2-0 victory to the delight of the 372 travelling fans.
Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard was delighted with the efforts of his players, reminiscing about last year’s cup run in his post match interview.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my players, many of whom helped us earn a trip to Everton in the fifth round last season. What we achieved then was magical, but to be in the third round again is unbelievable – they have risen to every challenge.”
It is onwards and upwards for Boreham Wood, their next National League match is away against Eastleigh but the 3rd round draw of the FA Cup is live tonight on BBC at 7pm.
Nevertheless, for Bristol Rovers it is back to reality since they were booted out of the FA Cup and they will be back to League One action away at Bolton Wanderers this Saturday.
