Stuart Maynard bemoans penalty calls as Notts County held by Crewe

Stuart Maynard claimed his Notts County side were denied two “blatant” penalties as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Crewe.

Charlie Whitaker was adjudged by referee Martin Woods to have dived after a tangle with Crewe goalkeeper Filip Marschall, while Will Jarvis’ appeals were also rejected.

“It wouldn’t fall for us, but I think refereeing decisions have cost us today, rather than the lads not taking their chances,” said Maynard.

“I think there are two blatant penalties that just shouldn’t be missed in there that everyone in the ground, and everyone watching on TV, can see.”

To compound County’s frustrations Whitaker was booked for simulation.

“I think that’s the biggest frustration, not just the penalty, but that (Whitaker) ended up on a yellow card,” added Maynard.

“It meant that every tackle, every niggle – and it was a niggly game – you’re thinking, ‘I have to bring him off,’ but you don’t want to because he has goals in him.”

Maynard’s side had other chances to score, with David McGoldrick sending an attempt narrowly wide in added time and Jarvis seeing a shot pushed away by Marschall.

However, they missed the influence of 17-goal top-scorer Alassana Jatta, who was absent on international duty with Gambia.

“You always miss players when they’re not in,” said Maynard. “In big games like this one today you miss players that have that quality and that ability to turn a game out of nothing.

“At this stage of the season, having your big players that want the big moments and can go and make things happen within games, it’s key.”

The visitors had their backs to the wall for much of the game but did threaten on occasion.

Kane Hemmings shot just wide before the break, while in the 75th minute home goalkeeper Sam Slocombe had to be quick to deny Max Conway.

“I was disappointed we didn’t create something a little extra in the first half, because I thought our general play was good then,” said Crewe boss Lee Bell.

“In the second half we didn’t start very well, but I thought the boys stuck up to the task and they applied themselves really well.”