Penalty agony for Pool
BLACKPOOL manager Neil Critchley blasted an “unbelievable” decision not to award his side a penalty as they were held to a draw by Cardiff City.
Critchley felt Tangerines right wing Josh Bowler was denied a “stonewall” spot-kick after going down under a challenge from Bluebirds midfielder Ryan Wintle in the 66th minute.
Instead Bowler was booked by referee Darren Bond for diving, which left Critchley fuming.
“I thought it was a stonewall penalty. I thought at the time it was a penalty, I’ve seen it back and it’s a penalty,” he raged.
“Josh does what he does, drives into the box and ironically it’s Mr Wintle with the contact in the back, and Josh goes to ground. Why would he [voluntarily] go to ground in that situation? He’s about to shoot.
“Then he gets booked for it. It’s an unbelievable decision..”
Blackpool took a deserved lead in the 11th minute after showing far more intent than their hosts.
Marvin Ekpiteta’s towering header high into the top corner after Charlie Kirk caused panic in the Cardiff defence with a clever cross on the volley was reward for a high-octane opening.
Critchley’s side dominated much of the first half after going in front.
The second half was a different spectacle, and the Bluebirds were level within five minutes of the restart after leftback Joel Bagan slotted home after a low cross by man of the match Cody Drameh.
Cardiff manager Steve Morison picked out the on-load Leeds defender for praise. He said: “Drameh’s been excellent for us. He had a break for the Liverpool game in the cup and since then he’s just kept going and going, like the Duracell Bunny!” CARDIFF: Smithies 7, Drameh 8, Ng 7, Flint 6, Mcguinness 7, Bagan 8, Vaulks 7, Wintle 7, Doyle 7, Davies 7 (Harris 79), Hugill 5(Ikpeazu 72, 7). Subs not used: Phillips, Doughty, Pack, King, Denham. BLACKPOOL: Grimshaw 7, Connolly 6, James 7, Stewart 7, Yates 5 (Lavery 68, 6), Bowler 8, Madine 5, Ekpiteta 8, Kirk 7 (Hamilton 75, 6), Thorniley 6, Sterling 6. Subs not used: Moore, Lawrence-gabriel, Dale, Robson, Casey. MAN OF THE MATCH: Cody Drameh. Always classy and threatening down the right flank 8. REFEREE: Darren Bond 6.