AFC Bournemouth
Scott Parker says he is “devastated” after seeing Coventry grab a last-minute equaliser deep into stoppage time at Vitality Stadium.
Jaidon Anthony had put the Cherries 1-0 up on the stroke of half-time and then turned provider to set up Philip Billing for the midfielder’s eighth goal of the campaign just after the hour mark.
At 2-0, the Cherries were in a commanding position and looked in complete control of the game before Jefferson Lerma saw red after bringing down Matt Godden just outside the box.
The Colombian was deemed the last man and Parker believes that moment turned the game on its head.
Speaking post-match to afcb.co.uk, he said: “The red card changes the game, definitely.
“I don't know if that is my emotion talking but at the time I thought Steve Cook was coming around and covering.
“I might be totally wrong, it could be the emotion of the game. I have not seen it back. I will have to check.
He continued: “There is not much I can say other than I am devastated for the team and devastated for the players because for 70 minutes we were in control.
“No disrespect to Mark and Coventry, they’re a very good side, but I think he (Mark Robins) would say the same.
“With 11 men we dominated the game, in every aspect of our game, and then obviously the sending off changes it a lot.
“We have just not managed to hold on. The last goal is disappointing, there are a couple of little things in it that aren’t good.”
Injuries to Lloyd Kelly, Gary Cahill, Jordan Zemura and Adam Smith meant Parker had plenty of defenders sidelined and was forced into a change of formation to try and combat the mounting injuries.
“Gaz Cahill pulled out late yesterday and has a problem,” added the head coach.
“We are down to the bare numbers, we have a room full of injured players in that treatment room that are big players for us, that have done brilliantly for us for large parts of what we have done.
“At this present moment in time we are having to adapt, to think of different ways and we were close today in terms of executing something, but we just didn't manage to hold on.”
Despite the lack of preparation with the quick turnaround from Wednesday’s trip to Millwall, Parker could not fault his side’s effort.
He added: “I’m gutted. 15 minutes the players had yesterday in training.
“15 minutes to go through a new game plan, a new style of play, a new way of playing and they executed every bit of it for 70 minutes - full credit to them because with 15 minutes work they took everything on board.
“Once we got to grips with little bits, we were superb, and I am just gutted for the players in that sense.
“It’s football, it’s life, sometimes it has a habit of kicking you right where you don't want to get it and tonight is definitely one of those.”
There was a first league appearance for club captain Steve Cook and the Cherries boss was keen to point out how well he played.
“He did brilliantly. If ever there was a man who represented and showed what you need when you come right under the pump - Steve Cook is every bit what you want on the pitch at that moment and he was fantastic today.
“I’ve said it all along, it’s been difficult for Steve this year and I have found it difficult at times for him because I have had to make difficult decisions.
“He has not found himself involved and that is down to the personnel in front of him doing very well but I have always been in communication with him saying to him if you get your chance here and keep yourself right you will take it - as I said I thought he was brilliant today.”
Next up for Parker’s side is a trip to Craven Cottage on Friday night in a top of the table clash against promotion rivals Fulham.
When asked about how difficult it will be to pick the players’ heads up for the trip to his former club, Parker said: “It will be difficult, of course it will. There is no denying it.
"At this present moment in time we are hurting and there is not much I can say to the team other than go back and relax.
“It will be on everyone’s mind tonight and tomorrow but we live in a world in football where you can’t dwell too much on it because before you know it, we have another game - a big game on Friday.
“We regroup and go again.”
