Andy Cannon admits perfect Portsmouth day against Crewe soured by referee

Yet a frustrated Andy Cannon admitted late penalty controversy soured Saturday’s 4-1 Fratton Park success.

During stoppage time, Oli Finney crashed a right-wing cross against Lee Brown.

The left-back was adamant it struck him in the face, yet referee James Oldham adjudged his arms had been raised and made contact with the ball.

Finney netted the resulting sport-kick, representing nothing more than a consolation.

Yet Cannon criticised the refereeing decision he believes robbed his team-mates of a deserved clean sheet, particularly on the occasion of Craig MacGillivray’s 100th Blues game.

He told The News: ‘It was definitely not a penalty. I am being honest, the referee just felt a bit sorry for them.

‘It’s nowhere near a penalty, he’s given it to them and we are disappointed because we want to keep clean sheets as well.

‘In the 90th minute to give away a penalty which wasn’t a penalty is frustrating, but we just move onto Tuesday now.

‘The guy has booted the ball at Browny and his hands are completely down so for me – and for everyone – it’s not a penalty.

‘The referee just gave it to them probably because he fancied giving them something.

‘From the outside point of view it looks like a comfortable win but it wasn’t, we all worked hard. It doesn’t take the shine away, we have scored four goals at home and that should win you games.

‘But people who actually play football in their positions take pride in stuff. Defenders’ pride is keeping a clean sheet, so I think they might be a bit annoyed.’

The Blues appeared to be heading for their fifth clean sheet in 13 League One matches this season.

Instead they were undone at the death – although still secured their fifth win in seven league fixtures.

Cannon added: ‘We are all working hard for each other, clean sheets are a priority along with scoring goals.

‘For the defenders and Craig to concede a goal in the 90th minute is a bit of a kick in the who-know-where.

‘I thought they defended the box excellently, dealing with a lot of balls.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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