Penalty calls disappoint Coleman
ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman was once again left frustrated with the officials following his side’s
1-1 draw away from home against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.
Stanley captain Sean McConville opened the scoring for the visitors at Prenton Park, but Kieron Morris equalised for Tranmere just before the break to ensure they took a share of the spoils.
Reds boss Coleman felt a draw was arguably a fair result on the balance of things over 90 minutes, but did feel his side were denied two penalties.
“I think we did enough in the first half to win the game. We had all the chances, deservedly took the but they came a bit stronger second half. We had to dig in. We were nowhere near as vibrant and bright with the ball second half.
“Sometimes you have to dig in and take the point and that’s what we did.
“We should have been going in at half-time 3-0 up and we’ve ended up 1-1 with their only shot in the game on goal. That’s the frustrating thing.
“They’ve had a couple of long-range pokes in the second half but not really troubled our keeper and we’ve had a couple of breaks that we should’ve done better with, but sometimes you just have to battle away.”
The draw with Tranmere has left Accrington in 18th place in the League One table, five points above the relegation zone.
They’re back in action on Saturday, welcoming Portsmouth to the Wham Stadium.
Portsmouth are in 10th position, having won seven, drawn seven and lost four of their 18 games so far this season.
Pompey are in good form heading into the match, having gone unbeaten in their last seven matches.
They had to settle for a draw in their last league outing, as their game with Peterborough United finished 2-2 at Fratton Park. Lee Brown and Ellis Harrison netted for the hosts, but Ivan Toney and Mo Eisa scored for Peterborough to deny Portsmouth the win.
Accrington and Portsmouth played out a 1-1 draw when they met in this fixture last season, with Stanley’s Michael Ihiekwe and Pompey’s Oliver Hawkins scoring the goals for either side at the Wham Stadium back in October 2018.