Parkinson bemoans refereeing decisions as Bolton are pegged back by Bristol City - 7M sport

Parkinson bemoans refereeing decisions as Bolton are pegged back by Bristol City



Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA

Parkinson bemoans refereeing decisions as Bolton are pegged back by Bristol City

Bolton boss Phil Parkinson was left wondering what might have been after seeing Bristol City strike twice in the final half-hour to came from 2-0 down to earn a point.

Parkinson was unhappy with the officiating for both of City’s goals – from Andreas Weimann and Jamie Paterson – after Will Buckley and Josh Magennis had netted in the space of three minutes to put Wanderers in charge.

However, City assistant and ex-Bolton defender Dean Holden was also critical of the performance of rookie second-tier referee John Brooks in the 2-2 draw.

“We scored two good goals,” said Parkinson. “And as much as we look at ourselves in what we could have done better with the goals we conceded, their first one was offside. I said marginal but Sky TV told me it was clearly offside.

“The second came from our corner but David Wheater was pole-axed in the middle of the pitch and the referee didn’t give a free-kick.

“We had a two-goal lead and didn’t see it through. But we could have done with some help from those key decisions.”

Despite that, Parkinson is pleased with his side’s unbeaten start to the season, having beaten West Brom in their opener.

He added: “However, we have brought in lot of new players and four points is a great start. We know we have to improve in areas and we will continue to improve the squad strength as well.

“But last season we only had two points after 11 games. Now we are unbeaten with four points from two games.

“In the first half we were a little bit passive and let them dictate to us but in the second half we increased our intensity levels which increased the quality levels.”

After a goalless first half which saw City enjoy plenty of possession, Bolton took the lead in the 57th minute when Buckley fired home from a corner and soon after it was 2-0 as Magennis netted his second of the campaign.

The Robins, who have now gone 15 away games in all competitions without a win, pulled a goal back almost immediately through Weimann and Paterson completed a deserved comeback with a fine 81st-minute strike.

Lee Johnson’s City assistant Holden said: “We dominated possession in the first half but it was slow and safe and we didn’t really hurt Bolton where we thought we could.

“But we stuck to the game plan apart from a five-minute period in the second half when Bolton got both goals.

“We were disappointed we didn’t defend the set-piece better for the first one while the second one there was a foul in the build-up which wasn’t spotted.

“We also had two big penalty shouts turned down. One of them, when (Niclas) Eliasson was booked for diving, was incredible.

“However we scored two very good goals. Marlon Pack’s pass for the first which cut Bolton’s defence open, was lovely disguised.

“And Weimann, who had missed a chance before, slotted it home. Paterson then produced a wonderful first touch to get inside the defender before a great finish off the post.

“In fairness, we could have been sat here with six points (from the opening two fixtures) against two good teams.

“We have a good spirit in the squad and that was one of the biggest strengths last season. We never say die and we showed it again in spates.

“The lads are disappointed we didn’t win the game. But if we take stock and realise you are 2-0 down you take the point and move on.

“If you are not going to win you have to take what’s on offer and make sure you don’t lose, which is what we did.”

Tag:


Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.