Mark Cooper was pleased with the way his side defended during the goalless draw at Carlisle United on Saturday but was left frustrated that they didn’t come away with all three points.
The Bluebirds boss saw a trio of good opportunities to score go begging during the first half at Brunton Park as the first Cumbrian derby in front of supporters since the 1960s ended in stalemate.
“We had three brilliant chances in the first half so we should have been at least a couple of goals up at half time,” Cooper told iFollow.
“When you don’t take those gilt-edged chances, you know there is going to be a backlash and we had to weather the storm in the second half, when we didn’t play very well.
“I said after the Rochdale game that I was going to make us more difficult to get at, and that’s three clean sheets in a week so we’ve looked really solid.
“When you do that, you take away some of the threat, so you have to find that blend that is right for the players and that is the work that we’re doing.
“If you’re keeping a clean sheet, usually you win the game. We had chances to win today and didn’t take them, but we were outstanding defensively.
“It was a great atmosphere. The fans from Barrow were fantastic, as they have been since I’ve come in. I am just sorry that one of the chances at the end where they were didn’t go in so that we could celebrate together.”
Click here now to watch our full post-match video interview with Mark Cooper on iFollow.