Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper said his side were denied “a cast iron penalty” which could have put them 2-0 up against Forest Green Rovers at Huish Park today.
On loan striker Ciaran McGuckin had his heels clipped by Forest Green Rovers’ Ben Tozer when the Rotherham United man looked certain to turn home Josh Sims’ ball in to the penalty area but referee Declan Brown waved away appeals.
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah after the match, the manager was full of praise for his players, but could not hide his frustration with the match officials.
He said: “I thought it was a brilliant performance from the boys. We were front foot again, really organised, energetic, but the reason we do not win is that we have to change some players on the pitch. Morgan Williams can’t play more than an hour yet, Harry Kite has been out for ten months and he has to come off, and when you make so many changes you can disrupt the rhythm and marking at set pieces. The (equaliser) comes from a set piece that we would have defended no problem with Morgan Williams on the pitch.
“But there is a cast iron penalty and red card in the second half where Ciaran McGuckin is about to tap the ball in and that is game over for me. I’m not blaming the referee, but they should not have a chance to get back at us in the last minute, it should have been game over. Between the four officials they have to see that, I think it was Ryan Inniss (the offender appears to be Tozer) who swipes McGuckin’s legs away when he is about to tap the ball in the goal. How four of them missed that I find incredible, but I do not want to take anything away from the players performance today.
“The last five weeks has been amazing for (the players). Through adversity they have stuck together and got closer as a group and they keep digging out results.”
Yeovil took the lead when midfielder Sonny Blu Lo-Everton lifted the ball over visiting keeper Ted Cann after 24 minutes and there were great opportunities to extend the lead with that man Inniss there again on 30 minutes to clear a Harvey Greenslade effort off the line.
The goal was Lo-Everton’s fourth of the season and came hot on the heels of a double in the win over Oldham Athletic last weekend.
Cooper said: “Someone of Sonny’s ability should be scoring eight or ten goals a season, there is no reason why he can’t. It was another good finish from him today. We should go 2-0 up, Harvey (Greenslade) has an unbelievable chance and he hits the legs of (Inniss) on the line. So as good players as Forest Green have, I think we deserved to win the game today and if the officials do their jobs properly, we should win the game.”
Asked whether he hoped that the performances which have seen them pick up ten points from their last five games would help him to start planning his squad for next season, the manager said off-the-field issues at Huish Park continued to hamper any such planning.
The club’s ownership situation remains in limbo following the resignation of owner Martin Hellier as chairman at the end of last month.
Cooper said: “There is loads going on at the club and we can’t decide anything and go out and offer players contracts or re-engage players who are out of contract, we have to wait until that is resolved. But if we get the go ahead to do that and I can get six real quality players, I think we can have another really good season.”
Next up, Yeovil travel to Eastleigh, who face top of the table Barnet in Good Friday’s late fixture, on Easter Monday and the manager expects there to be changes in personnel.
Captain Jake Wannell was not fit to feature in the squad against Forest Green and Harry Kite, Morgan Williams and Josh Sims all had to come off with 20 minutes remaining.
The manager said: “The boys that were bit part today and (Jake) Wannell will have to be fit for Monday to give us a chance to put some bodies out there. The main thing for us is to get as many points as we can and carry that in to the summer, but I was really pleased today. I thought the fans were incredible, that was a real backing for the team and the boys need that every week. If you give that, I guarantee the players will run like they did again today.“
Wasn’t a dive for the “penalty” then?
Was difficult to see if it was or not.
Saw it on DAZN but the replay was in real time. It definitely didn’t look like a dive. He tripped, either over his own boots (which can happen) or, by the Forest Green defender. If it was the defender, on viewing it looked accidental, the defender didn’t look like he put a foot out to trip him. Need to see it in slow motion to be sure.
Two “incidents”… 1. Thatchers end, the Forest Green player looks to block a shot with chest and then there’s arm motion fractionally after the ball has gone. Would have to slow it down frame by frame to know, but I don’t think it’s a pen.
2. The one down the other end with McGuckin. The defenders dont look like they’re anywhere near, the Yeovil player goes over. Extremely soft to give that.
Watched it again… the 1st one… the defender does completely take out FCD, half in/out of shot… 2nd one though think our player just fell over, the defenders don’t break stride like they would if they has actually made contact.
I’ve just watched the highlights.
Regarding the possible penalties:
The first one, the ball clearly hits his chest, he seems to think it might be going in, so he then sticks out his right arm, but the ball doesn’t hit it.
For the second one, it’s not often I say this, but I have to agree with Mark Cooper.
I slowed it down to a quarter speed. Ben Tozer is stood behind McGuckin, as the ball is about to fall to McGuckin, Tozer sticks out his right leg & catches McGuckin causing him to fall. So, in my opinion, it should have been a penalty.
OK good analysis. The first one, no penalty for possible handball, but our player is taken out immediately after.
There is a reason Sonny can’t score 8+ a season. Cooper doesn’t play him! He’s only started 16 games this season. Fun fact: Lo-Everton didn’t make the squad for 10 games. We won 1, drew 5, lost 4
Sonny was out injured for a few months. He picked up a knee injury, I think, in December last year.
Also when he did play he played in the wrong position until recently. Funny how he performs in a 10 role compared to being played as a 6
I have a feeling him and Charlie Cooper don’t get on. Lo-Everton has greater scope when Cooper isn’t playing?
The team is very much improved since the announcement by Mr Hellier that he intended to sell the club. At the time I believe he said he wouldn’t be attending any more matches. Therefore it is somewhat disappointing to see him go back on his word yet again, and sneak in at half time!
I didn’t ‘sneak in’ at half-time, I walked into the club I still own and fund, at kick-off. I think I can enjoy the last games of my tenure given it’s currently surviving from my funding. Try not to let it bother you.
Surprised to see you here on the gloverscast site Martin considering what you had to say about the lads only a few weeks ago!
Whatever. Coward👋 It’s fans like you that make me wonder if I should bother supporting it any more. I’ll be there Sat if you wish to relay your comments in person, rather than a keyboard.
This is why so many fans don’t like your tenure. Owners and mangers come and go. Most are polite
Then I would suggest the abuse stops, or my funding will.
Ok Mr Hellier, So you have made a few quid over the years, does it really make you happy? I would suggest not by the way you behave to be honest! Does it give you the right to speak to or treat people the way you do? No doubt we were all grateful to you when you stepped in and saved the club, but have you heard the chants about “having a party” once you sell the club?? By all means go to HP on Saturday nobody can stop you, but remember the club will be here long, long after me and you are gone! Just be humble Mr Hellier.
Will Gloverscast be telling their audience that when I offered for Glovers Trust (via you guys) to submit ideas and proposals for fan ownership, that you ignored it / didn’t reply. At least be honest to your inflated listener base.
Good evening Mr Hellier, please check your inbox.
I personally replied to your email on behalf of the Trust within the 48 hour deadline you imposed. I’ve forwarded my email to you again this evening having been informed of this comment suggesting you were ignored. My email is chair@glovers-trust.co.uk should you need to search for my email(s).
I look forward to your response.
On behalf of the Glovers Trust
John Oakes, Chair
He’s like a desperate jealous ex that you’ve blocked everywhere, but uses any method they can to contact you. Very strange behaviour from a grown adult.
I’ve never met you, I only know you through your actions and social media posts. Getting banned at the start of the season was bad. Calling fans ‘dickheads’ was equally bad. Looks like Gloverscast deserves an apology.
You clearly need some therapy. You aren’t alone, help is out there.
Martin my friend get help, your behaviour and actions are not normal. You ban gloverscast but here you are trawling through comments on their website, which is nothing to do with you but like always make it about yourself and make yourself the victim. Have you ever thought stuff like this keep happening maybe you’re the bloody problem. Helps available get it.