Micky Mellon thanked Oldham Athletic’s army of supporters for their backing at Halifax Town, and felt they were let down by the referee in having to settle for another 1-1 draw.
More than 1,500 were at the Shay Stadium and celebrated Mark Kitching’s close-range finish early in the second half. But Latics were left to end the game with 10 men after Adam Senior had levelled just after the hour.
Substitute Otis Khan had only been on the field for just over 20 minutes when he picked up two yellow cards in a minute, the second for contesting the first, resulting in referee Aaron Bannister giving the midfielder his marching orders in the 81st minute.
But it was among a number of refereeing decisions that manager Mellon disagreed with.
“I want to speak for the supporters. I want them to know I’m a manager that represents them and speaks for them, because I’m sure they’re going home really frustrated (with the referee),” he said.
“I think people have to look at that, they can’t all be wrong.
“The supporters were absolutely magnificent and they deserve us to fight for them like the way that we did.
“I can feel their frustration with the officials and I have to be careful what I say, but I probably agree with what they’re all thinking, it’s not good enough.
“At home they look for every opportunity to book me, so I try to stay out of it now.
“The game’s hard enough without having to think about them as well. You shouldn’t have to think about them. Eleven players should just go toe-to-toe and you shouldn’t even notice them. The best refs you don’t notice.
“I’m gutted for the fans because they deserve better. They’ve paid money to come across here and they deserve a better (refereeing) performance.”
But despite a fourth 1-1 draw in a row – and fifth in six games – Mellon said he was encouraged by his team’s performance.
“I’m happy with the way that we battled and kept going, the threat that we had and the subs came on and did well,” he said.
“We keep going.
“I’m frustrated, but we’re not losing.
“We drew a lot of games last season, but we’re certainly setting up to try to win every game. Don’t for one minute don’t think I’m not wanting a team that’s front foot and scores goals. We want to be a team that’s on the front foot, that tries to win, we tried to do that tonight but we just couldn’t get over the line.”
Of Khan’s second half dismissal, Mellon added: “I don’t even know if it was a foul (for the first yellow card). If a guy’s blocking you you’re entitled to go for it (the ball).
“If people are going to get booked and sent off for that we’re going to end up with eight or nine men.
“I think it’s shocking.”