Rueful Rosler admits Fleetwood handed Vale three big points
KYLE VASSELL’S double helped Blackpool move to within a point of the play-off zone with a 4-0 win over 10-man Notts County at Bloomfield Road.
The Seasiders, who have lost just once at home in all competitions, took the lead after 20 minutes when Vassell picked up a loose ball and slotted past Adam Collin from 12 yards.
Gary Bowyer’s side doubled their lead three minutes after half-time. Vassell’s shot was parried as far as Colin Daniel, who tapped into an empty net.
Jamille Matt then made amends for an earlier miss by thumping home from 10 yards after Vassell’s deflected shot broke his way.
County striker Vadaine Oliver was shown a straight red after 79 minutes for a bad tackle on Tom Aldred, and the rout was completed late on when Vassell robbed Louis Laing and
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slotted home his 10th goal of the season.
Carlisle’s proud unbeaten record finally came to an end as they suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at bottom club Newport.
Goals from Josh Sheehan and Rhys Healey put an end to United’s run.
Hartlepool recorded their first home win of the season at the eighth attempt, with a 2-0 victory over Cheltenham.
They took the lead in first-half injury time when Lewis Alessandra’s curler was diverted into his own net by visiting skipper Aaron Downes.
Pools made the game safe 10 minutes from time when Alessandra’s free-kick was met by centre-half Matthew Bates who powerfully headed home.
Morecambe succumbed 2-0 at Wycombe, with Aaron Pierre and Luke O’Nien scoring second-half efforts. FLEETWOOD boss Uwe Rosler claimed his side ‘gifted’ three points to Port Vale as the home side came from behind to win 2-1 as both sides finished with 10 men.
Chris Long had given the Cod Army a deserved 53rd-minute lead, but goals from substitute Rigino Cicilia and Alex Jones secured the points for Vale.
Long was dismissed late on, along with Vale’s Anthony Grant following a scuffle involving several players.
Rosler was disappointed with his players’ inability to kill off the opposition, but felt Vale’s second goal should have been disallowed for handball. He said: “We weren’t capable of getting the ball over the
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line. I think it was one of our best away performances – we created a lot of chances.
“I think Port Vale rode their luck and we were playing like Father Christmas, it was a gift for sure.
“The way we played attacking and counter-attacking football was fantastic. It’s difficult to accept, and it’s difficult for us to keep our heads up.
“The second goal was a clear handball, and that comes on top of us playing like that and not getting it over the line, then making a mistake to let them back in it.
“It’s hard for me, the players and the club to accept.”
Josh Morris netted his 14th goal of the season as Scunthorpe opened up a five-point gap at the top. His strike was enough to secure the Iron a 1-0 victory at Coventry.
Tim Sherwood’s arrival as director of football gave Swindon a real shot in the arm as they secured just their second win in 11 games, by beating Charlton 3-0.
Morgan Fox’s own goal was added to by Lloyd Jones and John Goddard strikes.
Nile Ranger scored his first goals in over two years as he bagged a brace in Southend’s 4-1 win at Bury.
Millwall sunk 10-man Bristol Rovers 4-0, while Bradford beat Rochdale by the same score.