PARKER SEES RED OVER REF ‘GAFFE’
SCOTT Parker claimed an “unforgivable” refereeing decision cost his Bournemouth the chance of a point at Preston.
Jamal Lowe put the Cherries in front after 50 minutes, but Cameron Archer levelled four minutes later, before substitute Emil Riis Jakobsen found an 89th-minute clincher at Deepdale.
Midfielder Philip Billing appeared to have been fouled in the build-up to Preston’s winner, but the game was not stopped as his fellow Dane netted the decisive goal.
Both Parker and defender Adam Smith were dismissed from the substitutes bench by the referee for their protestations.
“I just haven’t got a clue for the life of me why the ref didn’t pull it back for a foul,” said Parker.
“We are at the cutting edge of getting results. We have worked tirelessly as a team. I can forgive mistakes – I’ve made plenty, and so have the players.
“But there are some that are unforgivable, and that decision was a stonewall foul that you call back, but the referee didn’t do that.
“The inconsistency was frustrating and my emotions got the better of me.”
The Cherries started well, with Todd Cantwell having an early shot saved by Daniel Iversen.
Ched Evans had a deflected shot saved by Mark Travers after he took advantage of a sloppy pass by Phillips.
The hosts then began to set the pace, Archer blazing over from close range while under pressure from three Bournemouth defenders.
Travers saved well with his feet five minutes prior to the break to keep out Archer’s shot, before Andrew Hughes failed to hit the target from 30 yards after a good run out of defence for North End.
Lowe then put Bournemouth ahead five minutes into the second half after he got on the end of Jaidon Anthony’s cross and went around the keeper.
Hughes dithered on the ball as he attempted to leave it for Iversen, allowing Lowe to get in and break the deadlock.
The lead lasted just four minutes, however, as Archer finished well from Daniel Johnson’s cut-back.
Potts then volleyed over from a corner before Van Den Berg was booked for a foul on Anthony.
Billing failed to hit the target with a first-time effort as chances started to dry up at both ends, but Iversen pulled off a great save at full stretch to keep out Phillips’ header with two minutes left.
It proved to be crucial as Riis Jakobsen fired into the far corner following a driving run just 60 seconds later.
Smith, who had been subbed off after 67 minutes, and Parker were then sent down the tunnel by referee Matt Donohue to complete a miserable afternoon.
Preston boss Ryan Lowe said: “It was an excellent win, and one that we deserved.
“We had to stick to a game plan which we did. It was disappointing to go behind, but to get back in it so early on was good.
“We always believe with the attacking players that we have got that we will create something.”