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So disappointed

Simon Smedley
20/ 2/2008

IT WAS a disappointing day all round for Jim Gannon on Saturday as his play-off chasing side were finally toppled after a nine-game unbeaten league run.

It was looking promising for the Hatters approaching half-time as a Darren Randolph own goal had given them the lead, but when goalkeeper Conrad Logan was red-carded just before the interval, the mood changed as striker Adam Proudlock was forced to go between the sticks.

On Logan’s red card for tugging back Efe Sodje just outside the County box, Gannon said: "It was a clear goalscoring opportunity and the referee felt he impeded him.

"They were two bad mistakes from Conrad. One dropping the ball and then secondly hauling him back.

"He might as well let the lad score. It then stays at 11 versus 11 and 1-1.

"It was a harsh punishment, but that’s the rules.

"It was disappointing because some of the other lads had worked so hard.

"I had no problem putting Adam in goal, he’s competent enough.

"I was just disappointed that the defenders in front of him didn’t contribute more in the second half.

"I think they only had two real efforts on goal in the second half, but even then the nature of their goals was disappointing."

On a more positive note County at least remained in the League Two play-off zone, but Gannon was also frustrated with some of the negative reactions from some Hatters fans, particularly some of the calling out from behind him in the main stand.

Gannon added: "It was always going to be hard for us after we went down to ten men, but I was disappointed with some of the comments which came from the fans.

"I don’t know what some of them want from us. It can be disheartening, I think some fans should try and show a bit more respect.

"We’ll have to work hard when we take on Mansfield on Tuesday now though.

"They had a good win today, they’ve got a goal threat and they are good going forward."

Recently-appointed Shakers’ boss Alan Knill, whose side are now unbeaten in three games, said: "I always knew it would be a tough game here. Stockport are one of the best teams in the league, they’ve shown that during their recent unbeaten run.

"But we’re a good team too, and right now we’re starting to believe that. It’s important that the players keep that belief.

"We knew we would have to be patient today, we knew we mustn’t panic, and not go gung-ho.

"But at the end of the day I’m absolutely delighted to have won here and picked up another three crucial points."

Click on the video window to see post-match reaction from Jim Gannon and from Bury's Alan Knill ...