Tranmere Rovers defender Liam Ridehalgh was disappointed as his side were forced into an FA Cup second round replay with Southport following a 1-1 draw at Prenton Park on Sunday afternoon.
Ridhalgh, who has just returned from a long injury lay-off recently, which has kept him out for much of Rovers’ season, had a part to play in Tranmere’s first goal on 17 minutes, when his long ball up to James Norwood the catalyst for the striker to feed substitute Jonny Smith, who bent left-footed into the top left corner.
But Micky Mellon’s men were frustrated into a draw following Bradley Bauress’ 30-yard strike into the top right corner after 70 minutes, which earned a replay for Liam Watson’s National League North outfit in the Merseyside tie on the Wirral.
Ridehalgh said: “I don’t think we were at our best today, but the good thing is that were still in the round so we’ll dust ourselves down and go again.
“We could never get any real control into the game, so we are disappointed with that.
“Obviously I’m delighted with that (his role in Rovers’ goal) but as a team we haven’t won, and especially at home, no disrespect to Southport but we should be winning, we’re disappointed but we’re still in the tie so hopefully we can go there and win it.”
Halifax-native Ridehalgh hopes that Tranmere can use tonight’s third round draw as motivation and he is confident Rovers can get the job done at Haig Avenue next week.
“The draw (tonight) should get us motivated but we’ll go to Southport and give it our all but we’re just disappointed,” the 27-year-old added.
“It’s a tough place to go."
To watch Liam's full interview, please click here