Coleman frustrated by refereeing decisions as Stanley’s winless start continues

Accrington boss John Coleman claimed four “major” decisions went against his side as their winless start to the season continued with a 2-0 defeat at Fleetwood.

Paddy Madden’s first-half effort put Fleetwood ahead before Ched Evans sealed victory with a 71st-minute penalty after Josh Morris had been fouled by Zaine Francis-Angol.

Things then went from bad to worse for the visitors when they lost  Sean McConville to a straight red card three minutes later for raising his hand to Evans.

However, that was one of the incidents which left Coleman frustrated at the full-time whistle.

He said: “We had four major decisions go against us.

“I’ve just shown you a picture of the sending off and you can clearly see that both players have raised their hands.

“One has slapped, one has punched one in the face.

“Only one gets sent off.

“It is clear as daylight on that picture.

“Things like that have a habit when you are struggling and scrapping for points things go against you

“The penalty – I don’t think anyone knows why it has been given.

“We had two great shouts of our own.”

But Coleman also says Accrington cannot blame anyone but themselves for their lack of wins.

He said: “You can blame other people, you can blame referees, poor decisions, unlucky decisions.

“But at the end of the day we have to improve ourselves.

“Work hard on the training ground and get it right.”

Fleetwood boss Joey Barton said he did not see the sending-off incident but was delighted to see Evans off the mark on his first appearance since returning to Fleetwood.

Evans rejoined from Sheffield United earlier this month after a successful loan spell from the Blades last term.

Barton said: “Before Ched got fit and before he was here there were a number of players, Danny Andrew, Josh Morris, Paul Coutts, Paddy Madden, Ash Hunter, who all had their eyes on being penalty taker.

“When the whistle was blown I initially looked up and thought I’d let the lads sort that out themselves.

“Ched got the ball.

“There was a bit of a delay with the Accy players protesting but you just fancy him in those situations.

“He is cool, calm and composed in those situations.

“That is the reason we brought him to the football club and I am delighted my strikers are scoring goals.

“Paddy is up and running, Conor McAleny was before his injury and now Ched is so I’m delighted.”