Coley content to avoid farce
SHELDAN KEAY
ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman was glad his side’s game with Sunderland wasn’t decided on a farcical incident after the match was abandoned with around 15 minutes to go.
The game was level at 1-1 when the referee decision to end proceedings, and Coleman didn’t have any complaints with the choice.
“I think it was the right decision. Either team could have won that game on a farcical incident. I said to the fourth official a few minutes before Sunderland scored that if either team scores here they can’t be scared to call it off because it’s getting beyond a joke,” he said.
“They scored and then we scored so it made the decision a bit easier. The referee was going to give another five minutes but I thought that was a bit unfair because if one team scores then they could feel aggrieved.
“The last thing you want is for the game to be decided by a farcical inci- dent or by someone getting hurt, and that’s generally the case when people dive into puddles.
“The fans who came had their money’s worth for 70 minutes because it was two teams going for it and there was some good football played, but it was unfortunate that we couldn’t finish the game.
“I thought we shaded the game. They scored a we pretty much have with every team we’ve played.
“It was a great atmosphere and a similar one to the Barnsley game. Now we’ll see how many will come on a Tuesday night,” he said.
“We’ve got to keep trying to grow the club and days like this is what we’re in the game for.”
Stanley are back in action on Saturday when they make the trip to Southend United. Billy Kee was forced off against Sunderland due to injury, while Michael Ihiekwe was also missing, and Coleman has provided an update.
“They are two big players for us. Michael Ihiekwe is struggling with his groin and Billy Kee is struggling with his knee,” he said.
“It was a case of Billy getting worse so we took him off at half-time so he couldn’t really turn or run. When the conditions get like they were it gets a bit sapping on the legs.
“We’ve had a bit of recovery over the next few days and we’ll get the lads fighting fit ready for Saturday.”