Davo Reflects On Reebok Stalemate

Last updated : 16 February 2006 By Matt Bottom

Davies also felt that the officials on the night did not stamp out the pushing and shoving.

"It was physical, they've studied us and tried to match us," said Davies.

"They got very tight in the marking."

"There were a couple of penalty claims and a definite handball, but the decisions were only given outside the box, not inside," he added.

"We wanted a clean sheet, it's difficult not to get a goal but like I say, it was a definite penalty and at times we found it difficult to break them down."

Boss Sam Allardyce also believed ref Olegario Benquerenca wasn't strong enough in last nights stalemate. 

"It appeared the referee did not want to give anything controversial no matter what," fumed Allardyce.

"The handball was an absolute definite; a screamer; a 120% penalty. The lad swung his arm out and took it off Jared Borgetti's head.

"From the referee's position, there was no chance he was obscured by any player and I cannot understand why he didn't give it.

"There was another one on Kevin Davies when Barthez came out and missed the ball completely. If that had been a defender, it would definitely have been a penalty but goalkeepers seem to get away with it.

"It also looked like the elbow was blatant too, so all in all, we are very disappointed."

Allardyce added: "We had a chance to win it at the end and 1-0 would have been a major result for us.

"As it is, it is going to be very difficult for us. If we can nick a goal I would fancy our chances but we will have to weather the storm for 15 to 20 minutes, as they did here."