Chesterfield played like they were 'drunk' against Tranmere Rovers, says Paul Cook
Frustrated Paul Cook said he is at his ‘wits’ end’ after Chesterfield played like they were ‘drunk’ in their 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Tranmere Rovers.
The Spireites gave up some big chances before they needed Ryan Boot to save a penalty from Omari Patrick after Kyle McFadzean was punished for a foul. But they made the visitors pay when James Berry’s inviting cross was headed in by Tom Naylor just before half-time.
But Sam Finley equalised eight minutes after the break and a point was the least Tranmere, who had lost nine of their previous 10, deserved on the day.
“I just didn’t enjoy us at all,” Cook said. “I didn’t enjoy the whole performance, our decision-making, how big we made the pitch, our lack of playing the ball forward, just everything about us.
“I think the biggest plus is that we have not lost the game because I did not enjoy us from start to finish apart from the last 10 minutes which was when we had most control of the game and we created a couple of chances with Tom Naylor’s headers.”
With so much on the line, Cook could not believe that Chesterfield were playing like it was a dead-rubber encounter.
He told the DT: “We got away with the penalty and then we got a goal and then we started the second-half like we have got nothing to play for. It was like a game where we had nothing to play for. The body language of some of our players I didn’t enjoy in a game where it means everything winning.
“We didn’t start the second-half, I think they (Tranmere) had four or five corners, it is like we are drunk, it is like we don’t realise the importance of what’s going on here and going and getting the next goal.”
The draw means Chesterfield are still looking over their shoulder as they try to secure a play-off place.
Cook continued: “The performance probably epitomises our season. Every time you get in a position where you think ‘come on, why not’ we offer a performance like that. I understand people’s frustrations because I watch the same game. I am at my wits' end. Sometimes it is like they don’t realise what is in front of them and they can go and get it. I am so frustrated it is untrue.”
Cook made two changes at half-time, with McFadzean and Malik Owolabi-Belewu replaced by Janoi Donacien and Lewis Gordon, who made his return after three-and-a-half months out.
Explaining those changes, Cook said: “Malik was getting a lot of the ball and Malik’s qualities are not, at the minute, joining in as an (attacking) left-back. Kyle was obviously on a yellow card and the wind was playing a big part in the game.”
Injured pair Ryan Stirk and Will Dickson were ‘close’ to playing, Cook added, but just missed out.
Chesterfield are back in action on Tuesday night at home to play-off rivals Grimsby Town.