ATK fell short in front of Chennaiyin FC’s fightback to succumb to 2-1 defeat at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday. This is the first time in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) history that the two-time champions lost at home against the 2015 champions. The host’s new signing Martin Paterson broke the deadlock in the first half, before Mailson Alves and Jeje Lalpekhlua scored in the second to snatch all three points. Post a well-fought 90 minutes, the debutant spoke to indiansuperleague.com and shared his views on the clash. Here are the excerpts.

Your thoughts on the defeat?

The first half was good and we went 1-0 up. In the second half, we conceded from set play and that let them back in. Unfortunately, another mistake led to their second goal. To be honest, we were the more dominant team but two mistakes of our own cost us the game. So, I am disappointed.

The match looked quite physical. How was it out there?

Yes, it was a physical game. But football is a physical game and you have to stand out physically. If you don’t, then you will get punished.

How difficult will it be to get into the playoffs now?

It is going to be difficult. Obviously, it is my first game and I realised that we have five games at home. We have to kind of win every single one of those. We will have a look at the table when we go back. It is going to be very difficult and without a doubt, we have to win. There is no other way.

What according to you went wrong in the second half?

Again I would say, those two mistakes. The set play and obviously that cross, though I am not very sure what happened there. I have to watch it back. But it were those two mistakes from our end (that led to the loss).

What are the plans for your next fixture this Sunday?

Well, we have to prepare, do things right professionally and come out and fight for the win and fight for our fans. Obviously, we are disappointed today to let them down and not win the game, but we will be back on Sunday.