Accrington 1 Gillingham 2: Stanley boss John Coleman and Gills manager Neil Harris comment on late penalty decisions

Gillingham boss Neil Harris had no time for debating the penalty decisions at the end of Saturday’s game as the Accrington manager was left fuming.

The Gills were 2-0 up before conceding a penalty in the 91st minute which the home side scored from. Accrington boss John Coleman blasted the decision not to award his side a second spot-kick moments later as ‘diabolical’.

Gillingham won the game 2-1 but there was a tense finish.

Ryan Jackson’s foul on Harvey Rodgers led to a penalty which Colby Bishop converted. There was seven minutes added on and during that period the hosts felt they deserved another chance from the penalty spot when Jack Tucker climbed over the top of Ross Sykes. Referee Scott Oldham waved play on and the Gills hung on.

Beaten boss John Coleman was livid.

Having described the decision as “diabolical,” he added: “It was a rip-roaring finish and we got given the weakest of our three penalty appeals.

“I don’t know how the foul on Ross is not a penalty, there can be no explanation as it was a penalty. I am at my wits’ end to know why it wasn’t given.”

Harris was asked what he thought.

He said: “I am not getting involved I what I saw and what I didn’t see, the referee have the decisions, and I have to be honest I don’t really care. We won the game that is all we care about.

“There was a lot of noise on the sidelines throughout the game. If they are not happy with the official that is down to them to take it up with them but I am just pleased with the three points.”