Striker Joe Pigott says he’s “more than certain” that Town will get their season on track soon, despite having gone through August without recording a win.

The Blues were denied that first victory deep in injury time in yesterday’s 2-2 home draw with AFC Wimbledon when sub Jack Rudoni slammed in a rebound from close range.

Pigott, who joined Town on a free transfer after leaving the Dons in the summer, admitted it was a tough result to take.

“It was,” he said. “Seventy minutes was really, really positive but we’re obviously gutted about the result and we’re still building something, so there’s plenty to look forward to still.”

Asked whether the visitors pulling a goal back to make it 2-1 only six minutes after the Blues had scored their second goal had an impact and made the atmosphere and edgy one, the 27-year-old said: “Perhaps, but we had to defend one set piece to take three points and unfortunately we couldn’t do that.”

He said it felt more like a defeat than a draw: “That’s exactly it. We’ve got to be professional and stand up and go again next week.”

The Blues have conceded two goals in every league match this season, which Pigott knows is far from what’s required: “Two a game is not really good enough, but we’ll improve that no doubt.”
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Reflecting on the first month, in which the Blues have drawn all three of their home league matches 2-2, lost both their away matches 2-1 and were beaten 1-0 at Portman Road by League Two Newport County in the Carabao Cup, Pigott said: “It’s been a learning curve for all of us. We’re all just blending in together and it was always going to happen.”

Does he feel he and his team-mates are getting there as a team, that that first win isn’t too far away? “For sure. We’ve got plenty of games to go and I’m more than certain that things are going to happen for us.”

Having left the Dons after three and a half years in the summer, Pigott was on the end of a few boos from his old supporters, although he says it didn’t particularly impact upon him.

“To be honest, I didn’t really pay attention,” he said. “I obviously had a great time there.”

Pigott missed a penalty for the Dons in last season’s corresponding fixture - David Cornell saved his kick - but says it had little effect on him as he prepared to take yesterday’s as he didn’t remember until later.

“I missed one here last season, I’d actually forgotten about that until afterwards,” he said. “I’m happy to score and finish it off.”

Earlier in the week, Town’s goal at Burton was confirmed as Pigott’s, his first for the club with yesterday’s spot-kick taking him to two.

“It was a bit weird. I definitely touched it and they finally gave it to me,” he said. “Hopefully I can contribute more.”

"Was that important to get that one to get up and running? “Yes in a way, but when you’ve got a little bit of experience you just know the goals are going to come anyway. There are plenty of games to go.”

Asked how he feels he’s settled in, he said: “It’s been OK. It’s been a bit slow but there’s plenty more to come from me, hopefully.”

Is he happy playing up front on his own? “Yes, for sure. I can play any role across the front.”

Last season Pigott netted 22 times for the Dons and he says he sees no reason why he shouldn’t score a similar number or perhaps even more this time around for the Blues.

“I don’t see why not,” he insisted. “I’ve got to surpass that being at this club and playing with the players that we’ve got.

“Once we’re all settled, we are scoring goals at the minute but unfortunately we’re conceding them as well, plenty of goals should be flying in.”

After five games the Blues are 21st in the table, already nine points behind leaders Sunderland and seven off second-placed Sheffield Wednesday, but he says it’s too early to take notice of tables with everyone still having 41 games to play.

“It’s pointless looking up at the league table until after 10 games. We’ll be back next week hopefully and we’re looking forward to it.”

Photos: Matchday Images/PagePix

dirtydingusmagee added 12:00 - Aug 29 i think he will get goals, just hope they are not in vain, we need to get tougher and sharper in defence. A strong leader on pitch would help .
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Linkboy13 added 12:07 - Aug 29 Not as gutted as i am by the lack of fight and desire shown by you and some of the players. Two nil up and then we down tools. The one player who really stood out for me was Coulson he showed one hundred percent commitment all game. I hope Cook uses him as an example to some of the other players . Burns was always dangerous, Burgess, KVY, Edwards ok and Wolfenden improved. In my opinion I don't think we have a leader on the pitch . Not sure if Evans is good enough as a captain or player.

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BlueRuin69 added 12:43 - Aug 29 Dont really understand this harshness on Evans, maybe not Captain but he has been ok so far and sometimes very good. Coyb
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TimmyH added 12:50 - Aug 29 Starting to get a bit tiring the players now coming out with the same MO as Cook, it will be a positive step forward if we replace Hladky from now on.
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BerkshireBlue78 added 13:04 - Aug 29 Loving our increased flare in attack this season but yes, defensive sentiments are shared far and wide... thats the area of concern. If we get that nailed before transfer window shuts then onwards and upwards
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grinch added 13:10 - Aug 29 He had an extremely poor game Never 1 anything against his previous defence and did not hold up ang play poor target man yesterday
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ChrisR added 13:12 - Aug 29 Joe did not have great game , hardly won a header , except the one he teed up for the AFC equalizer , and I dont recall any great lay offs from him ...but at least he scored the penalty. Reminded me a lot of Terry Austin !
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Monkey_Blue added 13:30 - Aug 29 Cook says we are not “streetwise”. Wtf? Surely given most all have 100plus games they noticed this before signing them? Evans has played for Cook, surely he noticed this about him first hand? The excuses keep coming and none hold water. Don't give me fitness. Other than Carroll who was still training with Derby despite not having a club how are we less fit than other sides? I know “injuries” and “Covid” which every team has to deal with why are we so poor? We were poor under Cook with last years squad and poor with this new one. Cook sound like he's out of ideas and the players are given a copy of the same nonsense script to trot out.

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jas0999 added 15:00 - Aug 29 Building - yes? Is there any excuses for throwing away a two goal lead at home to Wimbledon? No.
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Blue56 added 15:46 - Aug 29 Cook is signing players with no plan how they will play together, he is like a kid in the sweet shop, God knows what our American owners must think. An inept keeper who doesn't command his box and hopelessly out of position for set pieces. Can we afford a third keeper? No leader as a captain, worrying times, played 5 of (and no disrespect) average league one teams, yet support is close to 20,000, and fans have been fantastic, no clean sheets, conceded 2 goals per game, very hard to be positive currently.

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istanblue added 18:18 - Aug 29 Joe Pigott! Come on down! You're the latest ITFC player to talk tripe to the media and excuse failure.
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coldwarkid01 added 20:46 - Aug 29 Look out….. It appears to be misery hour with Monkey Blue and his negative mates…!!!! FFS give the guys a chance to settle into the team, area etc... You lot talk like you want faliure... I for one am sick of your negative opinioms.....: support the team or Feck off...!!!!'
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threescousers added 08:19 - Aug 30 Don't worry Joe, take your time. We aren't getting promoted any time soon with this squad or manager.
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