Darrell Clarke relieved to come out on winning side

Posted Wednesday, August 15, 2018 by PA

Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke admitted the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Crawley was important after a disappointing start to the league campaign.

After League One defeats to Peterborough and Accrington, the Pirates could ill-afford a damaging first-round defeat at the hands of lower-division opponents.

But goals from Kyle Bennett and Ollie Clarke served to ease Rovers into the second round for a third consecutive season.

Mark Connolly pulled one back in the 88th minute for Crawley, who finished with 10 men when substitute Dominic Poleon was sent off by referee Lee Swabey for a second yellow-card offence in added time.

“It was an important win. It was a no-win situation, because everyone expects us to beat Crawley,” said a relieved Clarke.

“There are always a lot of upsets in the first round, but the boys have done a really professional job to get through.

“We were not at our fluent best after a couple of defeats and it was important to get the result and go through. I thought we did the basics well today and defended properly until the last few minutes.

“Hopefully, this win will give the lads a bit more confidence and the belief to go on and play their best football. It’s pleasing to have won a game after two disappointing performances.

“No disrespect to Crawley, but people expect us to win these games. That’s what makes them difficult and we had to roll our sleeves up and scrap at times. Our mentality was good tonight and I thought we were always in control of the game.”

Rovers’ first win of the season was not without controversy and Crawley head coach Harry Kewell felt his side should have been awarded a penalty when Tony Craig appeared to handle a shot from Poleon inside the box.

“I think we’ve been treated harshly,” said the Australian. “When a defender comes with his arms out like that, it’s hand to ball. If he had his hands by his side, that’s different, but he didn’t.

“It was definitely a penalty and it’s disappointing not to be given it when we’ve played so well.”

He added: “I thought we did enough to win this game and we deserved more than we got. I don’t think Bristol had that much. They play a league above us, they have a good budget and nice stadium and great fans, but we held our own against that.”

Kewell was perplexed by the decision to send off Poleon, who received a second yellow card for preventing Rovers from taking a goal kick.

“I might be wrong, but I thought Dom just gave them the ball back. He was unlucky to be booked the first time, but the second one is even more difficult to explain. There’s no point in saying anything to the referee – he’s already made his decision.”