Hyderabad FC failed to build on their win over Kerala Blasters FC after succumbing to a narrow 1-0 loss against NorthEast United FC at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Wednesday. Phil Brown’s men came close to finding the back of the net on countless occasions, but a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal meant that the Highlanders were always in with a chance.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Brown identified a lack of quality in the final third as the most painful aspect of the performance. “The manner in which we lost was disappointing, but it was also not the right result. By half-time, we created one or two decent chances. A young group of players who were trying their best for Hyderabad FC, but that lack of quality in the final third showed tonight,” Brown said.

He added: “They have to realize how important it is when chances do come along. I thought the first goal was going to be important tonight. And the way it came, I thought it was harsh. And now we have to pick ourselves up and go into the international break. We’ve only got three points from four games. We have to come back in our fifth match in the Hero ISL and make sure we have our strongest team available to us.”

While assessing the result, the 60-year-old opined, “I thought we deserved to get a minimum of one point from the game… I don’t think they came to get a point from the first half. I thought we were the better team come half-time. And then they made two changes and that was a forced change because of our style of play in the first half. We had two or three chances in the first half. At half-time, I fancied us to go on and win the game. So, I am sitting here disappointed not to have got three points.”

The Englishman then, lauded the effort of his youngsters, stating, “They are trying everything they possibly can. But at times, you are looking around for quality, you are looking around for that little bit of hold up play in the final third. The inexperience actually showed up tonight. But it wasn’t for the want of trying. I thought the effort was there. The nous is just missing.”

Finally, the Hyderabad boss was asked about the telling factor which was lacking in his team. Identifying the reason, Brown explained, “I think we are having a run of bad luck at the moment where injuries are concerned. It’s not just injuries to small players. It’s injuries to key players. It’s injuries to players who will be our first choice. Having said that after the last game, the effort and the determination that the players showed me and showed Hyderabad, was rewarded again tonight.”

Read the Match Report here.