Graham Alexander was unhappy Town were not award late penalty
Manager Graham Alexander was bitterly disappointed to see Fleetwood Town leave Newport County’s Rodney Parade with only a point on Tuesday night.
The Cod Army were held to a goalless draw in the rearranged fixture with the Exiles despite creating enough chances to come away with a win.
And Alexander thought a ‘stonewall’ penalty decision, which went against Town, denied his side the break they needed in front of goal.
“I’m bitterly disappointed because I think the players deserve that break in front of goal,” said Alexander.
“It was a stonewall penalty - we even had confirmation from the officials that it hit a hand and his hand was above his head, but apparently it wasn’t deliberate.
“That’s not the rule, though. If your hand is in a position where it shouldn’t be, and the header is on target, which it was, then it’s a penalty.
“However, I thought our application to the game and what they had to defend against meant they were fantastic.”
One of Fleetwood’s best openings arrived in the first half when Jamille Matt played the ball across for Antoni Sarcevic, but the midfielder then fired wide on the bobbly pitch.
Alexander said: “It was a great break and Jamma’s played a great ball in front of him, but that half of the pitch was horrendous and I don’t know if it took a bobble before he hit it or not.
“He’s just put it wide of the post, and then Jamma’s had a great header which drew a fantastic save from their keeper.
“We could have been a goal or two up by half-time and in control of the game.
“To be fair, they came at us with a bit of pressure and missed a good chance midway through the second half, but apart from that I don’t think they caused us too many problems.”
The Town boss was also pleased, once again, with the support of the travelling Cod Army who formed a part of the overall 3,728 crowd.
He said: “There was fantastic support for us again tonight, particularly with our fans coming down to Wales on a Tuesday night which isn’t easy.
“We really appreciate their support and they stuck with the team. Hopefully we can give them the three points they deserve against Torquay on Saturday.”
The Cod Army are back in action this weekend away at Torquay. If you are interested in purchasing tickets or travel for the game please call 01253 775080
The Cod Army are back in action this weekend away at Torquay. If you are interested in purchasing tickets or travel for the game please call 01253 775080