Monk fumes at ‘incredible’ decision to award Bolton’s winner against Blues

Posted Thursday, August 23, 2018 by PA

Garry Monk was left aghast by Bolton’s goal in their 1-0 victory over Birmingham at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Monk argued Sammy Ameobi’s cross was handled by Will Buckley and on to Josh Magennis to bundle the ball over from point-blank range in the 73rd minute.

Referee Lee Probert allowed what would prove to be a controversial match-winner to stand, to the chagrin of Blues manager Monk, who said: “I feel so aggrieved for my players.

“That decision for Bolton’s goal from the referee is incredible. It was unbelievably blatant. I am astounded. But I saw it coming.

“I said it after two minutes to the fourth official that he (Probert) was going to cost us and ultimately he cost us.

“I just hoped we could have taken our chances to make sure something like that wouldn’t happen.”

Wanderers were indebted to goalkeeper Ben Alnwick, who kept them in the game with several vital saves, before Magennis netted for the third time in four league games.

It meant Birmingham remain on two points and without a win after their opening four Sky Bet Championship matches of the season, yet Monk believes their fortunes could be set to change.

The former Swansea and Leeds boss added: “I am so happy for my players. They are doing so much right.

“For 70 minutes we controlled that game but the decision from the referee has cost us a point when we should have been walking away from here with three, like we should have done last Friday (a 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough).

“But we know if we continue in this way it will turn for us. They are doing so much right.”

Buckley was initially credited with Bolton’s goal but boss Phil Parkinson felt Magennis got the final touch.

Parkinson said: “I am not bothered who scored but it is good for your strikers to get goals and he does get the last touch.

“It was important we got our first home win of the season.

“Birmingham are a good team, they are a physical side, very competitive. Last season we lost a tight game here 1-0 and tonight we have come out on the right side.

“We want to get better and improve in certain areas of the game. But the sheer determination of the group to get that win stood out like a beacon.

“We were having a decent spell before the goal just before we made the substitutions. But Sammy, Buckley and Clayton (Donaldson) did give us a lift.

“Subs are important at any level of football but so important in the Championship because of the physical demands on the players. It is great we have those options from the bench.”