Latics' fury at whistle-blower

A DETERMINED Freddie Ladapo looks for a way through

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

IN ANOTHER, possibly more just universe, Athletic would have had penalty kicks awarded to them in the past two league games when already 1-0 up.

At Bradford, already leading thanks to Peter Clarke's header, the man in the middle denied claims of what appeared a clear case of Billy Mckay being felled in the area with a badly mistimed tackle.

And here, in front against Shrewsbury thanks to Josh Law's free-kick, Clarke was bundled to the floor without ceremony only for whistle-blower Andy Haines to refute that an offence had been committed.

Later - as at Valley Parade - Athletic were pinged for a penalty themselves.

Such decisions probably even themselves out across a full season, according to the supposed laws of footballing justice.

But thoughts of redemption in the future won't provide much consolation for Athletic boss Stephen Robinson right now.

Athletic, found out for a collective lack of composure here in a crucial window before and after half-time against a robust Shrewsbury outfit, still nearly rescued a point after finding themselves 3-1 down.

Lee Erwin rifled in his first goal for the club in the 82nd minute - this after Ousmane Fane had been sent off for collecting two bookings, decisions from referee Haines which were not in dispute - and deep into seven minutes of added time, a stretching Freddie Ladapo connected with Ollie Banks's cross, but could only direct his effort against the crossbar.

The sheer effort shown by Athletic, who had Darius Osei again rampaging as the clock ticked down, was impressive enough for the team to be given a rousing reception from most of the 3,697 fans present for another entertaining and rough-edged clash.

Understandably, Haines got a less welcoming reception when he trudged off at full-time.

Robinson made six changes to the starting line-up that lost 5-4 in midweek to Carlisle in the opening Checkatrade Trophy group game.

Back in came Connor Ripley, Law, Clarke, Paul Green, Fane and Erwin; out went Chris Kettings, Brian Wilson, Ryan McLaughlin, Banks, Luke Woodland and George Edmundson, with the latter two not featuring on the substitutes' bench.

On a sodden pitch, both sides struggled for fluency early on. The hosts had the edge, though, and could easily have gone in front after nine minutes.

Green sent a teasing ball sent in from the right flank was met well by Erwin, who shrugged off his marker to send a flicked header no more than a foot wide from eight yards out.

Fane then tangled with Ivan Toney off the ball - an early sign of what was to become at times a fractious game - and the Shrews' lively on-loan Newcastle striker drove narrowly over the middle of goal from 30 yards out as the visitors threatened on the break.

Law's opening goal handed Athletic the advantage after 24 minutes. Mckay, playing in the 'hole' behind strikers Erwin and Ladapo, received the ball to feet, spun and drew a foul 22 yards out.

Visiting goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler left enough of a gap behind his defensive wall to invite the right-back to try to get the ball up and over it. He managed the trick, leaving Leutwiler floundering.

After 36 minutes, Clarke looked like he should have been given a penalty. In a good position to post an effort on goal from another free-kick delivery, there was plenty of contact as he fell to ground.

Shrewsbury drew level after a spell of pressure towards half-time. Former Bury full-back Joe Riley crossed with his left foot from the right flank and left-back Junior Brown's run allowed him to shape a deft header beyond Ripley and into the net via the underside of the crossbar.

Athletic's response immediately after the resumption in the second half was for Ladapo to pull a shot wide; almost off-target enough to allow Green a chance to turn into an empty goal.

Haines pointed to the spot in the 50th minute when Charles Dunne tangled with Toney in battling for the ball as a corner kick came in. Ripley was sent the wrong way with a well-taken penalty.

Clarke then went head-to-head with the similarly experienced Adam El-Abd after another contentious decision went against Athletic.

Three minutes later, the same duo clashed in the Shrewsbury box again, once more with Clarke appearing to be thrown to the floor by his opposite number.

With tempers fraying, Riley took advantage to fire his side 3-1 up with an effort that flew past Ripley's left hand.

Fane's second booking for a late lunge in midfield had seemed to end Athletic's chances of getting anything.

As Shrewsbury retreated, though, the 10 men pushed on and looked a threat as Osei's pace and directness came to the fore.

He hit one long-range effort well enough that Leutwiler could only parry it straight back out and went close again with a left-foot shot he didn't quite get hold off.

Erwin's strike brought a grandstand finish and Ladapo almost made himself a hero.

IN A NUTSHELL: Athletic, who never lay down without a fight, felt aggrieved by refereeing decisions and didn't help themselves at times.