Bowyer furious at decision in stalemate

LEE BOWYER insisted his promotion-chasing Charlton side were robbed of all three points by a poor offside decision.

In a game of few clear chances, dominated by a strong, swirling wind, Josh Cullen netted from close range for the visitors only to have his celebrations cut short by a flag.

Bowyer agreed with opposite number Graham Coughlan that it was a fair result, but felt aggrieved that Cullen’s effort was disallowed.

“I have watched it back and it was definitely onside,” he said. “Sometimes decisions like that go against you and it’s one of those things. I’m disappointed we couldn’t get the win.

“Conditions were awful for both teams and it was a better game than I expected.

“We went three at the back out of respect to Rovers’ attacking players and both defences dominated. They had won three on the spin so were in good form.

“We created half chances and played the ball around well at times. It was one of the better goalless draws I have seen.”

Rovers also had a goal disallowed for offside when substitute Alex Jakubiak netted near the end, but Coughlan had no complaints.

“Charlton had more territory, but we probably created the better chances,” he said. “That’s 10 points from our last four games, so I am not going to moan.

“Everyone at the club has pulled together since I took charge, but there is still a lot do.

“Both teams gave a decent account of themselves in very trying circumstances. My day has only been spoiled by Ireland losing the rugby! “Our fans were great again and I would really love to complete the job of staying up for them because they are so important to us.”

Both goalkeepers distinguished themselves in a match dominated by the strong wind. Charlton goalkeeper Dillon Phillips produced one of the saves of the season to deny Jonson Clarke-Harris, who thought he had broken the deadlock with a 37th-minute free kick. But, with the ball bound for the corner, Phillips dived full-length to make a magnificent stop.

Cullen had the ball in the net on the stroke of half-time, but his effort was ruled out for offside. And Rovers’ Jakubiak suffered the same fate when netting from a Clarke-Harris pass near the end.