FOOTBALL: BRAKES boss Paul Holleran voiced his frustration after a controversial penalty denied his side three points against Brackley Town on New Year’s Day.
Joe Clarke was penalised for handball inside the penalty area in the closing minutes of Monday’s game, which at the time Brakes led 1-0.
Town made no mistake from 12 yards and subsequently stole a point from the game.
Despite the draw, Holleran praised his side for their two performances against Brackley – which leaves them four points clear of the relegation zone.
He said: “Although we ended the first half a goal ahead we were disappointed. We never got a foothold in the game.
“We’re all aware how good Brackley are. They’ve got good players and good options from the bench.
“The state of the pitch has made things harder. I was really pleased with the second half because we were better with and without the ball, which I expected us to be.
“They do push a lot into forward positions which leaves space, and we utilised it better.”
Holleran wasn’t left frustrated with Clarke after the penalty was awarded against the Brakes man.
“I’m not sure how joe can get out of the way,” said Holleran.
“But on the balance of the game we have to be delighted with the point.
“We’ve had to withstand a lot of pressure.
“But football is about different qualities. What is important when you’re going away to one of the best sides in the league is that you can stay in the game, work hard, frustrate them and defend well.
“I was pleased that in the second half we carried a bit more of a threat ourselves and caused them some problems.”
