We spoke to Mark Hughes, following our draw with Accrington Stanley.
Speaking to CUTV, Mark began with his overall assessment:
“I just think it looked like we didn't have that sharpness in our play. I think we have to accept the events of the Port Vale game just took a lot out of us mentally, physically and emotionally and today we just had that little edge to our game that we need to get on the ball quickly and move it quickly and be a little bit more accurate.
“I think that was just lacking and that was really the difference between us really having a lot of momentum in the game. Saying that, I mean they've had one shot on target and they've scored.
“We've hit the post, we've scored. So in all it was a game that yeah we could have won. I feel absolutely certain if it had been a game where we had two or three days to prepare like you normally do. We would have won that quite comfortably but it wasn't to be.
“We showed good character, good courage to get back and get a point that might be really important for us. So we'll take it and we'll move on.”
It was a scrappy game, especially in the first-half where United struggled to get going.
“They didn't want to be involved in a game” Mark said.
“Not an open and a game that was going to be one for the purists. That was their game plan. They would suggest that it worked.
“But we've faced those types of games before and equate ourselves in a different manner. Like I said, I just think the emotion of the Port Vale game just took a little bit of the energy that we needed today.
“I mean the belief is still there and we're still in a situation where we can affect our own futures. So we'll take that.
“It's all ifs, buts and maybes. We're still in a situation where we're still fighting so we have to take that.”
Callum Whelan rescued a point with a fantastic goal, which Mark spoke on:
“I thought he just showed that quality that he has. Sat the guy down, did exactly what he needed to do in that situation and a great finish.
“He's played exceptionally well the last month or so, so it didn't surprise me. He was the one player you think he will have the quality to do something here. So, I'm pleased for him.”
Accrington took the lead after a good ball in from the right hand side was met by Sonny Aljofree. Mark gave us his view:
“I think it was from a throw-in or whatever and it got thrown in and maybe we attached ourselves a bit too closely. There was about three or four in the middle of the park and it's just broke.
“They've put a speculative ball into an area and hoped for the best, which was basically how they played today. And it's come off them, so you have to accept that. It's not a great deal that we could have done or did incorrectly, really.
“It's just one of those things that it goes to the one person you don't want who's free at the back post.”
The gap to safety remained at four points, with Tranmere also drawing their game at Barrow.
“Nothing's really changed from our point of view. We wanted to win today, that was the intention, that was the belief in us. We've got a point.
“We still have to win the last two games, we know that.
“I think we've put the fans through the wringer as well the last couple of games, so it's emotional for everybody, but we're still in there.”
