FC Halifax Town defender Nathan Clarke felt that the penalty decision given against Josh Staunton in the Shaymen’s home defeat to Notts County was a harsh one.
Town took the lead twice in the Vanarama National League game through goals from Shawn McCoulsky and Jamie Allen, with County fighting back each time.
Photo by Daz Murphy
With the scores level at 2-2, and nine minutes from time, there was a coming together between Enzio Boldewijn and Staunton in the Halifax box, resulting in a County penalty that Mitch Rose converted to make the score 3-2.
“It was a little bit harsh to be honest,” Clarke told Shaymen TV. “The referee was right there, it was more of a block tackle than anything, really. He’s not really brought him down. It’s both lads going in to try and win the ball and the referee has unfortunately seen it otherwise.”
As Notts County took the lead tempers rose and a few off-the-ball scuffles occurred.
“Everybody is just desperate to do well aren’t they,” said the experienced centre-half. “We were pushing hard in the game and there were a few little moments in the game. But that’s what it is everyone’s trying to do well and both teams are desperate to get the points.”
Photo by Daz Murphy
The eventual 4-2 score line belied Town’s performance, as Clarke noted the home side’s dominance during periods of the match.
“We’re obviously disappointed to lose the game but we felt in the first half and parts of the second half we competed really well, and we knew what their strengths were but unfortunately right at the death their they’ve got on top of us a nicked the win,” he said.
The Shaymen next travel to Stockport County on Boxing Day, which starts a run of quick-fire fixtures for the side. Clarke was keen to ensure they bounce back.
“It’s going to be another tough game,” he said, “but it’s a case of going back to training and working hard and trying to eradicate the mistakes.”
To listen to Nathan Clarke’s full interview head over to Shaymen TV now.
Read more posts by FC Halifax Town
;
