After Harry Lewis’ error against Tranmere in the defeat that put City manager MARK Hughes in the public eye.
The first goal in last night’s 2-1 loss at Prenton Park was Lewis’ fault entirely, and away supporters demanded Hughes’ firing as a result.
Regan Hendry’s optimistic shot slid into the net, but the goalkeeper made up for it by making a good recovery in the second half. Before turning away Josh Hawkes’ penalty, he made a fantastic reaction stop from Connor Jennings.
“Unfortunately, Harry has made a personal mistake,” stated Hughes. But his stop from the penalty in the second half made up for it.
He’s made a great save just before that was awarded, as well.
“He’s a top keeper and it’s unfortunate that an individual error led to a goal because that was their first shot in anger.
“That can happen and I’m not going to dig him out too much because he’s saved us on many occasions since he’s come to the club.”
Andy Cook had headed City level early in the second half with his fifth goal in three league outings since returning from injury.
“They were expecting an early ball in but we played a set-back cross,” added Hughes. “That gave Andy a better angle to attack it and it was a great goal.
“You expect him to score in that situation and he doesn’t disappoint.
“I thought we could have gone on to win and it was nip and tuck from then on right to the end.
“Unfortunately, they got the one break that we weren’t able to fashion.
“I thought our play in the first half showed real intent. We were on the front foot.
“We were a little bit passive last time out but I didn’t think that was the case at all.
“We were anticipating a lot better than we had done in the previous game.
“Tranmere is always a difficult place to come, certainly on a Tuesday night.
They had a go second half and were better. They needed to be because we were totally dominant first half.
“It was hard to take conceding right at the end because I didn’t think we deserved to get beaten.”
City have lost back-to-back for the first time this season and have won just once in their last six league outings.
But while his own future appears up in the air, Hughes felt the team should take confidence from their display.
“I would have been honest if it had been a bad performance but it wasn’t.
“I’m disappointed for the lads because they put in a big shift and it didn’t come off for them.
“Results aren’t going our way right now, and we have to take that on the chin.
“The issue we face is that this little run comes at the start of the season.
“People assume that it will be typical for the remainder of the season.
“We are confident in our ability as a team. We are aware of our potential to have an impact on the league.
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