First viewing of BTFC since Royston back in the spring. On the generality of the match first, thought Poole controlled the first half, bit more streetwise, getting to the ball first in midfield and using it better. Having said that, their keeper made a brave save at Sam Smart`s feet (maybe he really should have scored) and Dan Collier ( I think) shot straight at him when he should have buried it. Bad goal to concede, the type we seem to have been shipping for the last two seasons now. Colm has to claim or punch those, all day long.
Second half, completely different story. Equaliser disallowed (more comment in a minute), relentless pressure, second Poole goal obviously at least five yards offside (and that was from the back of the stand!), `Stoke creating countless chances but not taking any of them. The pen seemed harsh, but at least set up the finish.
In terms of players, liked the centre back pairing, Bayliss` distribution terrific all afternoon, Sam Deadfield in and out of the game, but great when he is "in", Sammy Argent worked hard all afternoon, and when we got the ball wide, Sam Smart and Zidane Akers looked dangerous. Maybe Zidane faded a bit, but looks a good prospect. If I have concerns, we have two wing backs who are desperately short of pace and will be exposed against better wingers at this level.
Finally, I`d love somebody who knows the rules of the game better than me, to explain how it is possible that a ref can ignore a "foul", whistle for a goal, then on the advice of the linesman at the wrong end give a free kick for offside, apparently, or was it the foul, at the other end? The ref actually had a decent first half, but completely lost control over that incident, and the rest of the half was a nightmare for him.
Thought we deserved a point minimum, Poole could not have argued if they had lost. Think we will have a decent season, but unless we get pace at wingback, can`t see play offs as realistic. Anybody know what happened to Wohlfiel and why Goater isn`t in the squad?
I`d like to know if anyone stood watching from the touchline saw the linesman stood still with his flag up all the time from the offside incident until we " scored " . If it was lowered then the signal has been acknowledged by the referee OR the ball is clearly in control of the defending team . If he moved with the flag lowered then we were totally robbed ....
I don't think he did put his flag down but to me that is irrelevant. The referee is within his rights to ignore the flag anyway. The fact he decided to disallow the goal & bring the game back about 2 minutes to give US a free kick is probably the worst piece of decision-making I have ever seen. Shame the same linesman didn't give what looked like an obvious offside for their 2nd goal.
I don't think we played well at all today but if we are going to lose I don't want it to be down to bad officials.
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