Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann believes Barrow goalkeeper Paul Farman should have been sent off in the first half of their 3-1 win last night.
The South Yorkshire-based side travelled to the North West in search of a third successive win and challenging for an automatic promotion spot. They were full of confidence having picked up back-to-back wins for the first time since early October, and another three points was expected against a team languishing in the bottom half of the table.
Joe Olowu handed Rovers the lead in the 28th minute before Luke Molyneux doubled the advantage only seconds later. Barrow pulled one back shortly before half time through Emile Acquah but the points were wrapped up in stunning style with 12 minutes remaining when Molyneux grabbed his second of the game with an excellent cross-shot which nestled in the top corner.
McCann Questions Farman Decision
The outcome could have been so much different thanks to an incident when the scores were tied at 0-0 in the first half. Molyneux was racing towards goal when Farman looked to intervene, but appeared to catch the 26-year-old. The ex-Lincoln City goalkeeper escaped punishment, with the referee not even deeming the challenge a foul despite Molyneux requiring treatment in the aftermath.
Speaking after the game, McCann stated he believed the Barrow man should have received his marching orders:
“I have to say I thought their goalkeeper should be off in the early part of the game. It’s a straight red for me. He’s studded Luke Molyneux right down his shin but we had to show character and Luke has done that, picking himself up and scoring his two goals.”
Luckily for the visitors, the incident had no bearing on the final result. The three points lifts Doncaster into second in League Two, nine points behind leaders Walsall.
Writer’s View
At first viewing, Farman’s attempt to win the ball looked a real shocker. Molyneux was lucky to escape relatively unhurt and the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the referee didn’t want to make such a major decision so early in the game. Sending the goalkeeper off would’ve seen Barrow have to play the majority of the game with 10 men, whilst they also would have had to have faced a penalty. The double jeopardy rule may have come into force though should the official have deemed the challenge was a spot kick.
