Reflections: Bulls - Alan Connell

The Hereford United forward Alan Connell was in a reflective mood after the final whistle had blown in Saturday's 1-1 draw against one of his former sides.

"We were very disappointed as we were desperate for the three points, and the manager said last week (before the win in the cup) that four points out of six would be a good week."

"Unfortunately we haven`t got that and we`re very disappointed. We played OK in patches - but we weren`t as consistent as we have been recently. I don`t know exactly why. It was just one of those games - and the positive to come out of it was at least we got a point."

The Gulls had rocked Hereford back on their heels with a breakthrough goal inside the first two minutes, and appeared to surprise their hosts.

"I didn`t think Torquay were a bad side. We`ll have to settle for the point and look forward to the Shrewsbury game next week."

"We tried to lift the tempo - but it took about 15 to 20 minutes for us to get going. Alex Jeannin got a very good goal, and then we began to play a bit more football and looked a good side."

However, despite the 1-1 scoreline Connell, who had looked to celebrate his 23rd birthday with a goal against the Gulls, feels United have made steady progress in recent months.

"We should be beating most teams at home, and I still think we can be amongst the top teams come the end of the season. And that`s why we`re disappointed but we`ve come along way in a short space of time."

"The manager did get into us a little bit at half-time, telling us that it wasn`t good enough and that we had to step it up - which we did.'

'We began to knock the ball around well and Rob Purdie`s missed a penalty - but there`s no blame attached to him. He was bound to miss one sooner, or later, and he`s been magnificent this season."

"It`s just one of those things and if that had gone in I`m sure we would have gone on to lift the three points."

Connell had been substituted shortly before the weekend's controversial moment when referee Gary Sutton awarded the Gulls a spot-kick in the 63rd minute of Saturday's clash. However, this provided the Bulls' player with an excellent view of the incident from the Hereford dug-out, and he claims he was amazed a penalty had been given.

"It was pretty obvious that their own player had fouled a team-mate. I thought the ref was going to be really strict and not go across to his linesman. But everyone in the stadium could see what had happened - and thankfully the referee finally came to the right decision."

"The 4th official could see it - and the other linesman next to the bench was also aware of the situation. Something needed to be said - and I think it was only our players pursuing it that got the penalty over-ruled."

"Players get told off in the press and media for having a go at officials, but when you see something like that going on - well, if it hadn`t been for our players it would`ve been a Torquay penalty and that would have been totally unjust."

Turning his attention to Saturday's upcoming game at Gay Meadow, Connell hopes United's fans will once again back the side in good numbers by packing the terraces.

"We`ll look forward to another local derby with Shrewsbury. There`s a lot for us to improve on in training this week, but we`ve done alright against the Shrews this season, so hopefully we can go and get a good result next Saturday. It will get our season going again."

"Hopefully the supporters will stick with us, as together I think we can have a successful season."

Prior to renewing their rivalry with near-neighbours Shrewsbury though, Connell is keeping a close eye on tomorrow night's 2nd Round FA Cup replay between Bournemouth and Bristol Rovers.

"I`d like to play Bournemouth as I had three good years there. But whoever we get we`ll aim to go there full of confidence and try to get a result."

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