Cheltenham boss Martin Allen believes his side were denied a clear-cut last-gasp penalty against Doncaster.
Cheltenham chief felt his side deserved spot-kick
Cheltenham boss Martin Allen believes his side were denied a clear-cut last-gasp penalty in their goalless FA Cup third-round clash with Doncaster, while Sean O'Driscoll felt his players looked ring-rusty.
Allen was convinced an outfield Doncaster player had handled David Bird's shot on the goal-line with Rovers goalkeeper Neil Sullivan trying to cover it, before Lloyd Owusu missed the rebound for Town.
He said: "It was a shame it was a handball on the line but it was not given as a penalty.
"The players have really enjoyed the evening but that decision on the line was very costly.
"You see in many FA Cup ties that teams from lower divisions have decisions go against them. That was a blatant handball and a penalty."
Allen saw his side match their Championship visitors and only an excellent save from Sullivan to deny Bird had prevented the Robins from taking an interval lead.
Allen added: "I thought we were absolutely outstanding.
"Doncaster are a very good possession team, they can outpass many teams at Championship level."
Ring-rust
Doncaster manager O'Driscoll, whose team face a replay at the Keepmoat Stadium with the prospect of a home tie against Aston Villa the prize for victory, said: "At times we looked like we hadn't played for a couple of weeks.
"It was a typical cup tie and we've worked all work recognising their threats. They have a keeper who can kick the length of the pitch and have long throws from both sides.
"Once we had possession of the ball they banked up and we had to be patient.
"To be fair to Cheltenham they gave us problems. But we were determined to come here and not lose. I think we can play better but I am pleased with the result."
