Nigel Clough once again furious with officials as Stags are sunk by Stockport, despite battling display
Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough was again left angry at the match officials after more decisions went against his injury-hit side in today's 2-1 home defeat by Stockport County.
Stags, missing 10 key players, dropped into the relegation zone after this sixth league game without a win against play-off chasing Stockport.
A Kyle Wooton own goal was cancelled out by a controversial Ryan Sweeney own goal before Jack Diamond headed a second half winner.
But Clough, upset by many recent decisions by officials, said: “We didn't deserve to finish up empty-handed.
“It is as harsh a result as we have had for a long time.
“Decisions again are defining the results of our games at the moment – and unfortunately they have gone against us again.
“The players have given absolutely everything and played well and we deserved at least a point from the game.
“To be 1-0 up three minutes from half-time and be denied the free kick, which was pretty obvious to almost everybody, and all the other things that went on are unbelievably disappointing.”
He then had harsh words for referee Alan Young, saying: “Frazer (Blake-Tracy) was fouled from behind in the build-up for their equaliser and the assistant was eight yards away from it and the referee in a good position and neither of them gave it.
“Then we were unlucky as Ryan could do nothing about it going in off him.
“It was a grave error from the referee to blow a minute early for half-time.
“That was legitimate game time in which you could score two goals or someone get sent off. Anything can happen in a minute and it is extremely concerning.
“The referee might think he had a good game.
“But he ignored his fourth official on several occasions, his bookings were inconsistent, his decision-making was inconsistent, and his time keeping at the end of the first half was blatantly wrong. But he will get another game next week.”
Clough continued: “With 10 players missing we went toe to toe with one of the best teams in the league and I couldn't ask any more of the players.
“We stayed on the front foot for the majority of the game and it was a magnificent effort.
“To stay this close to the top sides with so many players missing speaks volumes for the strength and character of the squad. I didn't think we would be this close to these sides with the quality we have missing.
“We could have gone ahead before they scored their winner, but it's just not dropping for us at the moment.”
Stags had a late penalty shout turned down and Clough said: “Will (Evans) pushed it past him and been bundled over and I thought it was a very genuine shout for a penalty. On another day you get them.”