Coleman disappointed Accrington didn't defeat League One leaders Portsmouth

John Coleman was disappointed Accrington Stanley didn't defeat table-toppers Pompey.
Accrington held Pompey to a draw. Picture: Joe PeplerAccrington held Pompey to a draw. Picture: Joe Pepler
Accrington held Pompey to a draw. Picture: Joe Pepler

The Accy boss' side held the Blues to a 1-1 draw at the Crown Stadium on Saturday.

Kenny Jackett's men dominated the opening third of the game, although they failed to break the deadlock during that period. 

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The hosts grew into the game, though, and Billy Kee missed a penalty in the 33rd minute.

Oli Hawkins gave the Blues the visitors on 62 minutes, only for Michael Ihiekwe to restore parity for Stanley two minutes later.

Coleman felt it was only '˜one-way traffic' after Accrington equalised and reckons his troops thoroughly deserved a draw.

He told accringtonstanley.co.uk: '˜For 25 minutes we got battered '“ they were all over us.

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'˜They were first to every ball, had four or five good chances, hit the post and our keeper made a good save.

'˜But then we came into the game, missed a penalty but pinned them back.

'˜In the second half I thought we were excellent. They scored a goal and hit the bar '“ that was probably their only efforts of attack.

'˜We took the game to them in the second half, it was one-way traffic.

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'˜But we were guilty of maybe the final pass not being right, although you can't fault the lads for their effort.

'˜The least we deserved was a point.

'˜We still think it's early days but it says something when we're in the dressing room and haven't beat the league leaders.'

Ihiekwe towered above Pompey's rearguard to head home Accy's equaliser.

Coleman was pleased with the set-piece threat his side displayed.

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He added: '˜We spoke about being more dynamic from set-plays and attacking the ball.

'˜We attacked the ball quite well in both areas.

'˜I was disappointed with their goal from a set-play.

'˜But we had to keep knocking on the door and once we equalised, if anyone was going to win it then it was going to be us.'