Thompson tearful as he misses JPT final
NATHAN Thompson was reduced to tears by a scandalous suspension for Monday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final, according to Swindon boss Mark Cooper.
The Robins played out a goalless draw with Colchester at the County Ground on Friday night, with Sanchez Watt’s red card for the visitors the major flashpoint.
Thompson was booked in the same incident – his tenth yellow card this season, ruling the 23year- out of Monday night’s southern area final with Peterborough – but Cooper was livid with the decision.
And to add to his frustration, he was adamant Swindon deserved all three points in a rain-affected clash that was only given the go-ahead 50 minutes before kick-off.
“Nathan's gutted, he's in tears because he misses the opportunity to play in the final, which shouldn't have been taken away from him,” said Cooper.
“It is one of the worst decisions I've seen all season. The referee's booked him for adopting an aggressive attitude.
“If somebody comes to head-butt you and you put your hands over your face to cover it, if that's adopting an aggressive attitude, the police cells in Swindon will be very full on Saturday night.
“We totally dominated. We played good football and the only thing missing was a touch of quality. We deserved to win, no doubt.
“I've just said to the players ‘don't get down, move onto the next one’ and we have got a great game on Monday to look forward to.”
Swindon produced 14 shots on goal to Colchester’s one, but Alex Pritchard’s long-range effort – palmed away by Sam Walker – was the closest they came to scoring
Watt was shown a second yellow card 20 minutes from time, for the altercation with Thompson, before Nathan Byrne sent an effort narrowly wide of Walker’s post.
Colchester boss Joe Dunne backed referee Darren Sheldrake’s decision to dismiss his winger and was happy to settle for a tricky point.
“We were actually getting Gavin (Massey) ready in the moment that Sanchez got sent off,” he said. “Unfortunately, that’s football.
“But I don’t want to see too many more of that. I don’t want my players to be doing that.
“He's apologised to everybody – the players and fans who have travelled. We don't want to see that on the football pitch, he was frustrated.
“He'll learn from it and be better for it, but overall I can't defend him on that I'm afraid.
“Overall it's a very good point in the circumstances and conditions.”