Bolton boss Owen Coyle was left to grumble about the supposed lack of luck of relegation-threatened teams after defeat by Newcastle.
Lady Luck deserts frustrated Bolton manager at St James' Park
Bolton boss Owen Coyle was left to grumble about the supposed lack of luck of relegation-threatened teams at the hands of match officials after suffering defeat by Newcastle.
A Hatem Ben Arfa wonder goal and Papiss Cisse's sixth Premier League goal in as many matches at St James' Park ensured Coyle's team remained just a point above the drop zone.
But Coyle felt his side were harshly treated by Mike Jones, who was at the weekend the official for Chelsea's controversial win over Wigan, and he confronted the referee on the pitch at the final whistle.
The Bolton manager agreed with suspicions to suggest Cisse was offside when scoring the second goal, however, he was not totally surprised to see the strike stand for UEFA Champions League-chasing Newcastle.
Quality
"With the second goal, he (Jones) is relying on his assistant referee," Coyle told
Sky Sports. "Of course it is always hard to take.
"Teams at the bottom end, more often than not, do not get those decisions when the luck is not going your way.
"But we will have to pick ourselves up and go again. We know we have got enough quality to stay in the league."
Bolton had frustrated Newcastle before Ben Arfa's genius dribble and finish in the 73rd minute, which will be a goal of the season contender.
Cisse then 10 minutes later added the second to ensure Alan Pardew's side moved level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham, who suffered a shock home defeat by Norwich.