‘Poor decision’ proves costly one for Barnsley

BARNSLEY manager Neill Collins was frustrated with the performance of the referee in a controversial 2-1 loss at Charlton as the Tykes were defeated on the road for the first time since November.

After two excellent goals from Alfie May had twice given Charlton the lead either side of an Adam Phillips penalty, a feisty second period saw a Fabio Jalo volley ruled out for a tight offside.

“We should have been sitting here with a point,” said Collins. “But we’re not because of a poor decision at the end of the game. He’s a yard onside, so I’m really disappointed with that.”

The visitors also had a shout for a penalty before the one they were awarded in the first half, when Devante Cole and Michael Hector tangled legs.

“It’s a stonewall penalty,” Collins, pictured, added. “Devante goes through, he’s about to shoot, he gets bundled over. How he didn’t get that, I’m not quite sure.”

The Barnsley boss did concede that his side had the chances to win the game: “At half-time we should have been in the lead. But we weren’t because of missed opportunities.

“(Cole) is going through a little period right now. I’m sure it will be a matter of time before he’s putting them in the back of the net.

“Alfie May showed why he’s the top goalscorer in the league, with two great finishes. We’ve got players who are capable of doing that, but today we probably passed up too many good opportunities, and Charlton were pretty clinical.”

Charlton manager Nathan Jones was also quick to praise his forward. “Alfie took his chances really well,” he said. “On the counter we were a constant threat and could have had more.” “They’re in the play-offs, they score goals freely, they’ve got one of the best away records. So for us to win the game, we’re delighted.” Charlton: Isted, Thomas (Bakinson 88), Hector, Gillesphey, Ramsay (EdmondsGreen 58), Coventry, Dobson, Small, Anderson, May (Campbell 88), Kanu (Aneke 66). Unused substitutes: Maynard-Brewer, Ladapo, LuaLua.

Barnsley: Roberts, Durand de Gevigney, McCart, Earl (O'Keeffe 69), Russell (Cosgrove 69), Williams, Phillips, Connell, Cadden, McAtee, Cole (Jalo 78). Unused substitutes: Kane, Grant, Cotter, Killip.

Referee: B Speedie (Liverpool).