No joy at all for Vassell despite reaching double figures for Town

The forward, who joined in the summer from non-league Truro City, prodded the ball over the line from close range in stoppage time for what turned out to be a mere consolation for the visitors.

Although it was Vassell’s 10th goal of the campaign and seventh in his previous 15 matches, he could barely raise a smile afterwards, saying: “Yes, I’m happy, but overall I’m disappointed from the game. We needed to win the game and we didn’t, simple as that.

“The first half we were nowhere near it, way off it as a team, that’s everyone, no-one was exempt from that.

“We just didn’t start the game well, we were lacklustre everywhere, it just wasn’t us first half, not at all.

“We were under extreme pressure to be fair, they were putting a lot in our box.

“We were a bit naive when it comes to giving away free kicks and just inviting pressure, we did well to keep it at 2-0.”

Town did show signs of life after the break, going close to reducing the deficit on a number of occasions, none more so than when James Justin’s lovely strike was headed off the line by George Elokobi.

Vassell continued: “It was a great strike and I watched it, it looked like it was going to whistle into the top corner, but the defender was there on the line to flick it over.

“It was one of many chances that we had, we had loads of chances second half.

“There were a lot that were fired around the box and didn’t seem to go in for us or drop in the right place for us, but we got the goal too late.

“Maybe if we get that 10-15 minutes before the game’s on, but we kept pushing for it.

“So credit the lads as they showed good spirit second half to play the way we did, keep going, getting on the ball, creating chances.

“We showed what we could do in the second half, that’s what we’re normally like.

“We just need to get our heads down and win the next game basically.”

Despite his clear disappointment at the performance, Vassell was happy with his own progress this term.

The 23-year-old started as more of an impact substitute, before becoming a regular in the side since late January.

He said: “I think I’m where I want to be, I’m in a good position at the moment.

“I’ve always said for me, it’s baby steps, keep improving and keep getting better as the season goes on.

“I never really imagined it (doing so well). Well, I did, but you don’t really see these things coming to fruition.

“I’ve just kept working on it and like I say, I just keep working hard and trying to improve and do my best.”

On Vassell’s 10th goal of the season, boss Nathan Jones added: “I’m pleased for him as he’s nicking goals and hopefully we’ll have Danny (Hylton) back next week so we’ll have a real potent strikeforce.”