ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman was upset with the penalty decision that went against his side despite the

Reds claiming a 2-1 League One win over Shrewsbury Town. 

Goals inside the opening quarter from Jordan Clark and Billy Kee put the Reds in charge at the Wham Stadium before the visitors were handed a way back into the game when Fejiri Okenabirhie went down under a Callum Johnson challenge. 

Referee Seb Stockbridge awarded a spot kick which Ollie Norburn converted but Stanley were able to see out the game and take the points.

And Coleman was pleased with the grit and determination his side showed.

“I was pleased with it in patches, we were a little bit sloppy 10 minutes either side of half time," said the Reds boss.

“We shouldn’t have been having to hang on, it shouldn’t have been a penalty - everyone knows it’s not a penalty. 

“When you get one that’s as laughable as that you wonder what’s going on. I’m flabbergasted honestly.

“They (referees) have got a thankless task, it’s a difficult job to do. Don’t forget there’s four of them out there who could have an opinion.

Despite that setback the Stanley boss was pleased with his side's performance. 

“We’ve had to show a lot of steel and determination, I thought we defended ever so well in the last half an hour," he added.

“They had a lot of ball going in and around the box but it didn’t really threaten us.

“I can’t remember Connor (Ripley) making a save apart from the one he clawed at towards the end. We’ve also made a couple of good blocks.

“We just got a little bit sloppy at times. After such a terrific start, after the first half an hour we’d put a lot in to it and that’s testament to the character of the players that they’re willing to still put a lot in at the end.

“We could have scored more towards the end, their keeper made a couple of good saves and we’ve had ones where we’ve just missed the target a couple of times as well.

"From going seven games and only taking two points, it’s thrilling to take six points in two games."

The Reds were quick out of the traps against Shrewsbury with Clark scoring inside the first 30 seconds and Kee making it two on 21 minutes.

“We were on the front foot," said Coleman. "They’ve kicked off and put the ball near our corner flag and we’ve returned it back to them with interest.

“We won the second ball, after talking about that during the week. It was a terrific touch by Jordan and then we’ve gone on to create more chances.

“I was disappointed we didn’t make it three just before half time. Jordan had a great chance just after Billy had scored."