Joey Barton: The goal should never have stood - Fleetwood boss on how side were denied deserved Portsmouth win

Joey Barton is adamant even the most vociferous Pompey fan would say his Fleetwood side deserved to end their team's unbeaten home league record.
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And the Cod Army boss felt Kenny Jackett’s side’s first goal from Sean Raggett should never have stood in last night’s 2-2 draw.

Barton’s men bagged a point, made it just one defeat in 18 games and 12 League One fixtures unbeaten at Fratton Park.

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Their manager believes his side warranted a greater return than what they got.

Barton told BBC Radio Lancashire: ‘We’re disappointed with the draw.

‘We were the better side, created all the opportunities and hit the post.

‘When Josh (Morris) went through one on one you fancied him to score because he usually puts those in the back of the net.

‘They got themselves in front and we had to respond.

Fleetwood Manager Joey BartonFleetwood Manager Joey Barton
Fleetwood Manager Joey Barton
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‘To come to Fratton Park, where they haven’t lost this season, even the most ardent Portsmouth fan would accept we were the better side here.

‘It’s huge progress for our club but I’m gutted we never won because the performance deserved it.

‘You come to places like this and your team’s shift is tested against the top sides in the division - and you more than match them.’

Barton delivered an unusual assessment of Sean Raggett first-half headed goal when stating he thought the defender had fouled Fleetwood’s Harry Souttar.

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He added: ‘It’s a foul. Raggett takes a three, four or five second ride on big Harry Souttar.

‘He’s read too much into where our club’s based and thought he’s taking a ride on a donkey on the beach.

‘It looked like he had a saddle on him and he was having a good ride. It was more reminiscent of Cheltenham than a football match.

‘It’s disappointing.’

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