Kenny Jackett was left reflecting on another frustrating and disappointing day at Molineux as Wolves slipped to a 2-1 home defeat against Preston.
And the Head Coach says he understands the reaction of the home fans who venting their anger on various occasions during the afternoon.
Joe Mason’s neat second half finish had dragged Wolves back into the game after Paul Gallagher and Adam Reach netted for Preston, but there were no real clear-cut chances after that to grab an equaliser.
“It was a frustrating game for us and a disappointing day,” said Jackett.
“Preston started well and it was difficult to get in behind them.
“We lost Henry with a hamstring injury and that didn’t help the flow of our game.
“As the second half went on we worked hard to try and move them around but things didn’t fall for us.
“It was a very competitive game and a typical Championship game.
“It was poor from us to play in the wrong areas for that first goal on a difficult pitch.
“We had James Henry struggling with a hamstring injury and should have played the ball out to allow him to be assessed or get a substitute on.
“Preston getting their noses in front made it difficult and then they got the second, but I did feel we could still get back into it.
“Joe Mason scored an excellent goal with a well-taken finish and I was hoping then we could build up a head of steam.
“We huffed and puffed from that point on and despite a lot of effort from the players we couldn’t find that final ball or create the clear-cut chance that could get us back into the game.
“There were a lot of balls across the box but sometimes couldn’t get it past the first man.
“There was certainly no lack of effort from the players, they kept going right to the end.
“They all want to win, and are desperate to win.
“But our goals against column at home is too high.
“Somebody said that is the eighth time in 16 games we have conceded two goals at home and we need to be conceding zeros and ones.
“We do want to attack and don’t want to talk about defending all of the time but conceding two goals makes it very difficult.
“That is something we have to work at and come through.
“Losing players to injury doesn’t help the flow of the team, especially effective players who were doing well for us.
“It is a competitive league with good sides in it and the margins are close.
“Key decisions at vital times in games can make all the difference and you have to make good ones.”
Jackett was asked about the decision not to start with Mason, who now has two goals from two starts since arriving from Cardiff.
“We had a good draw last week and it is early days for Joe,” he said.
“It is about finding the right combination as to whether he is dropping off deep or playing right up front as a striker.
“He has made a bright start in the games he has had and I am pleased with that and there is a lot to base things on.
“Goalscorers are at a premium and he has started very well and showed an ability to get in behind a difficult defence today.
“We need to make sure how best to bring out his strengths, which I feel are his goalscoring.
“We have lost two natural goalscorers in Dicko and Afobe this season and it looks like Mason will get goals for us if we can find the right fit and the right set-up around him.
“If he comes deep it may take him away from the goalscoring areas but these are the things you learn about a new player.”
Jackett confirmed that James Henry, who limped off in the first half, has a hamstring injury.
“He will be assessed and we don’t yet know a timing on it,” he said.
“That is another frustration because he has been a good player and a key player for us this season and has seven goals as well.”
Wolves have only won four league games at Molineux so far this season, and Jackett admits he understands the disgruntlement from supporters.
He says it is time to come through a tough spell, particularly after losing some key players, and being about an improvement in results.
“There is some frustration here with the performances and the results at home,” he added.
“I understand that.
“We are all looking for good performances and for wins and they haven’t come here this year.
“It is our job to produce those results and we didn’t do that today.
“We need to produce and I need to produce and I can understand that.
“When we lose and we are poor, crowds are critical and we have to take that and we have to accept it.
“We need to improve our results because that is what will get the fans behind us.
“We want to be starting the game playing well and being successful.
“Even in a game like this where Preston come with five at the back it is maybe about being a bit more patient, come on strong in the second half, and not be in a situation like today where we gave ourselves a mountain to climb.
“We need to come through this key period having had injuries to key people and get the side to settle down and go again – build on the strengths that we have and realise that defensively you can’t win games but it can also make sure you don’t lose them.”
