Source: FOOTYMAD
Latics duped
Refereeing decisions crucial in outcome of game Athletic were duped out of a win by some indecisive refereeing on Saturday and manager Paul Dickov was disapponted with the second half performance. The Latics went behind to an early goal but equalised through Shefki Kuqi who scored his second goal for the club in two games. In reality the referee missed two clear cut decisions that were crucial to the outcome of the game. One was a professional foul on Kuqi and the other was a blatent push in the back on Matt Smith which occured in the penalty box. Dickov commented, “We knew they would come and make it difficult. We saw their game at MK Dons and their game at Bournemouth and also watched them against Rochdale last week. We spoke all week about starting the game well and picking up second balls from set pieces. And after four minutes we conceded from a second ball from a set-piece. I felt after half an hour there was only one team that was going to win it and that it was us. We defended well after conceding and after the corner they had just afterwards, which they were unlucky with. But we needed more quality going forward. We do have quality players, but it just wasn’t their day.” “If Matt knows Shefki is behind him, he has a free header at goal from two yards out. Matt had his chance when he came on and I felt he should have had a penalty. The referee 20 seconds beforehand gave a foul for their centre-forward backing in which was no different. It was a frustrating day for everyone. I am sure the fans are frustrated, the players are frustrated and I definitely am frustrated. The only positive thing I will say is that it is a game we possibly would have lost last season. They are an awkward team to play against and you have to give them credit as well. We have a point and we are disappointed it is not three. We had the better chances in the game, but when you get chances like that you must take them, or you won’t win.”
