Lee Bowyer unhappy with decision to disallow Charlton goal

Posted Sunday, March 17, 2019 by PA

Lee Bowyer insisted his promotion-chasing Charlton side were robbed of all three points by a poor offside decision.

In a game of few clear chances, dominated by a strong, swirling wind, Josh Cullen netted from close range for the visitors just before the interval only to have his celebrations cut short by a linesman’s flag.

Both goalkeepers distinguished themselves, Charlton’s Dillon Phillips making an outstanding 37th-minute save from a Jonson Clarke-Harris free-kick, while at the other end Jack Bonham did well to keep out a 43rd-minute shot from Igor Vetokele.

Bowyer agreed with opposite number Graham Coughlan that it was a fair result, but felt aggrieved that Cullen’s effort was disallowed.

“I have watched it back and it was definitely onside,” he said. “Sometimes decisions like that go against you and it’s one of those things. I’m disappointed we couldn’t get the win.

“Conditions were awful for both teams and it was a better game than I expected. You were never sure which way the wind was blowing so there wasn’t any great advantage to be gained in either half.

“We went three at the back out of respect to Rovers’ attacking players and both defences dominated. They had won three on the spin so were in good form.

“Dillon’s save from the free-kick was very good. The ball was almost behind him when he got a hand to it, but he has been doing that for us recently.

“We created half-chances and played the ball around well at times. It was one of the better goalless draws I have seen so credit to the players for that.”

Rovers also had a goal disallowed for offside when substitute Alex Jakubiak netted near the end, but manager Coughlan had no complaints.

“Charlton had more territory, but we probably created the better chances,” he said. “That’s 10 points from our last four games, so I am not going to start moaning.

“We have moved ourselves up the table, but I always want more. Everyone at the club has pulled together brilliantly since I took charge, but there is still a lot do.

“Four clean sheets on the trot is a very pleasing statistic. When I first came to the club as defensive coach it was my remit to make the team more solid.

“The players have worked really hard on the training ground and today Jack Bonham has only had one difficult save to make against a good side.

“Both teams gave a decent account of themselves in very trying circumstances. My day has only been spoiled by Ireland losing the rugby!

“Our fans were great again and I would really love to complete the job of staying up for them because they are so important to us.”