Michael Jolley admitted his side were not at their best in defeat to Cambridge United but said he was encouraged by some aspects of the display against the league-leaders.
The Bluebirds were beaten 2-0 thanks to goals from The U’s lethal front two, Paul Mullin and Joe Ironside, falling to a first loss on home soil since the beginning of December.
Jolley was disappointed by the result but admitted it was always likely to take a little time for things to settle down after a lot of change during the January transfer window.
“It was another frustrating one for us because I didn’t think there was a huge amount in the game, it was tight,” he told iFollow.
“We had some chances in the first half, but we were then disrupted by some changes we had to make towards the end of the first half and at half time.
“They are top of the league and they got on top of the fine margins, but I am not sure we found our fluent best today thought we stuck in there and stayed in the game right until the end.
“They looked a confident side who all know each other whereas we’re at the start of that process – but we’re not naïve about that, the clock is ticking, and we need to get on with building relationships and becoming a good team.
“There is work to do but that’s what we’re here to do.”
Jolley revealed that Matt Platt was missing after tweaking his knee in training, while two other fitness tests were carried out ahead of the meeting with The U’s.
The Bluebirds boss then lost Chris Taylor to injury during the closing stages of the first half before Tom Beadling and Jamie Devitt were both forced off at the break.
“It’s been tough over the last 24 hours.
“The grass was incredibly wet at training on Friday and Matty twisted his knee. Quigs had a late test this morning before the game and so did another player.
“Near half time Chris Taylor has had to come off and then we got to half time and Tom and Jamie had to come off too so it’s not helpful when you’re trying to settle down and build a performance.”