Penalty drama is little fun for Bunn

OLDHAM manager Frankie Bunn criticised a “very disappointing” refereeing performance after his side’s defeat to Northampton.

John-Joe O’Toole’s header and a controversial penalty from Kevin van Veen put the Cobblers 2-0 ahead at half-time, although they were reduced to 10 men after Sam Foley’s red card.

Robert Hunt pulled one back as Oldham dominated the second half, but Northampton held on.

“The circumstances were difficult, but we have to move on and look forward,” said Bunn. “I thought the lads gave everything they had, but we had a dubious penalty decision go against us and we should have had one ourselves.

“That’s how it is at the minute – we just need that little bit of luck. I’ve spoken to the referee, but there was no comment from him, so I said ‘you’ll be horrified when you see it back’.

“It’s been happening too many times and I’m very disappointed with the officiating again.

“He said he gave it for handball but we’ve looked back at the footage and asked all the lads and we just couldn’t see anything, so I think he’s guessed.” Northampton manager Keith Curle was pleased to rack up his fourth win from seven games in charge.

“We had to show a different side to us today, but we’re going to need that,” he said.

“They got asked a lot of questions,but they were resolute, brave, determined and attentive to the information that we gave them.”

He admitted: “I was very, very pleased to be 2-0 up at half-time because we didn’t really deserve it on the balance of play.”

The Cobblers survived over 50 minutes with 10 men as Oldham lost their 10-game unbeaten away league record.

O’Toole’s opener came after 36 minutes when he got between two defenders and headed van Veen’s cross beyond goalkeeper Daniel Iversen.

The home side were reduced to 10 men moments later as Foley saw red for a late challenge on Christopher Missilou, but they added a second on the cusp of half-time through van Veen’s spot-kick.

Oldham dominated the second half and they were back to within one goal when Hunt poked over the line after an almighty scramble in the penalty box.