Coyle - Score was harsh

Boss blames key decisions for heavy Sunderland defeat

By Jamie Casey   Last updated: 10th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Coyle - Score was harsh

Coyle: Questioned key decisions

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Bolton boss Owen Coyle insists his side's 4-0 drubbing at Sunderland did not reflect their performance at the Stadium of Light.

The Trotters fell behind to a first-minute Fraizer Campbell strike before a second-half Darren Bent hat-trick condemned them to a heavy defeat.

Coyle's charges also had Sam Ricketts dismissed into the mix, which prompted Bent's second goal from the penalty spot as the Bolton defender picked up a second yellow card.

"We're certainly not begrudging Sunderland their win, but certainly it wasn't the win the score-line suggests," Coyle told Sky Sports.

Coyle - who disagreed with the penalty decision - believes his players' lack of concentration in the opening minute cost them dearly as Campbell stabbed home to start the rout.

"We gave away cheap possession and ultimately they lobbed a hopeful ball into the box and their lad has finished it away, and all credit to him," said Coyle. "But from our point of view we're disappointed with that.

"Then we got a real foothold in the game - a really strong one - at the start of the second-half. But a few things went against us and ultimately we ended up with ten men.

"So, we'll lick our wounds, but what I did recognise was that our lads have worked ever so hard. That's a period of five games and four away from home.

"And while at home we managed to take advantage and push ourselves up the table. We came here to win and we haven't but we'll look forward to our game on Saturday now."

The Trotters host Wigan at the weekend and Coyle will be hoping for better luck than he did against the Black Cats after reiterating his claim that the big decision went against his side.

"If there is any contact then I think Bent is a very clever player because it's been just outside the box," said Coyle of the Sunderland striker, who was fouled in the penalty incident. "So, it certainly shouldn't have been a penalty.

"The fourth goal - their man is clearly offside. I think he's a yard in front of Jussi (Jaaskelainen) when the shot has been taken, so a number of things went against us.

He added: "That wouldn't have affected the three points, incidentally, but it certainly affected the score-line."

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