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Keane: Disallowed Goal Was Turning Point - Ipswich Town News

Boss Roy Keane felt referee Andy Hall’s decision to disallow Stern John’s goal at the end of the first half was a turning point in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Peterborough. The Blues manager thought the goal should have stood rather than being ruled out for an apparent push on Posh full-back Scott Griffiths.

Keane said: "Saying it was harsh would be an understatement and it was the turning point in the game.

"I always judge the reaction of both sets of players, but the one person who thought it was a foul was the referee.

"I don't think we played that well but we had some good chances. The fact we didn't take them was very frustrating and I'm getting fed up of using that word.

"We've got to start putting the ball in the back of the net and I don't just mean my strikers - anyone.

"Peterborough put their bodies on the line but it's surprising me how much trouble we're having scoring goals.

"I need my players to step up to the plate and take a sniff of a chance. Instead of that, we always seemed to be on our heels.

"We played too many long balls in the second half. I don't know why because we don't encourage the players to do that, but maybe it was a sign of us getting edgy.

"We overcomplicated it at times as well, when you are looking at players to have a shot when they are in a good position.

"It's very frustrating. The only positive is that we kept another clean sheet. Our defensive record is outstanding at the moment and if we had turned any ratio of chances into goals we would be so much better off in the table."

New Peterborough boss Mark Cooper was pleased with his side’s defensive display: "It was a very resolute performance.

"On Saturday we conceded a couple of needless goals but tonight the goalkeeper and centre-halves were outstanding. They had to deal with a lot of balls into the area but they won nearly every header.

"When they didn't they won the second ball that bounced on the edge of the box. I was very pleased defensively and, being greedy, we could have nicked it at the end.

"When you're in the position we're in and you come to a place like this, with the players they've got, you have to respect that.

"You can't go all-out attack. We tried to defend properly and play a bit on the counter-attack. That's three games unbeaten now and we have to build on this.

"We mustn't think we can just turn up and it'll happen for us at Coventry on Saturday, just because we've had some good performances. We've got to show the same work-rate and desire."

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