Russ Wilcox bemoans ‘big moment’ that denied Gainsborough potential cup upset

Gainsborough boss Russ Wilcox felt his team were denied the chance of an FA Cup upset over Accrington by a wrongly allowed offside goal.

Television cameras proved that Paddy Madden’s first-half opener should have been ruled out, meaning South African substitute Sisa Tuntulwana’s 76th-minute header would have won the tie in 90 minutes instead of being an equaliser.

Gainsborough were bidding to beat EFL opposition for the first time since 1938, but Charlie Caton went on to settle the tie at 2-1 in the first half of extra time.

A frustrated Wilcox said: “The first goal was offside and the referee has to get those decisions right, because that’s a big moment and I thought there were others we didn’t get as well.

“There was a bit of a big club, small club feeling in that respect. Regardless of that, though, I am proud of the group, supporters and community and we also had some great chances to take the tie to penalties.”

Wilcox also reckons 22-year-old Tuntulwana, who has alternated between playing at the back and in attack for Trinity, has probably now nailed down a position.

“Sisa has played in so many positions for us, but it looks like he will end up a number nine,” the Holy Blues boss added.

Accrington manager John Doolan admitted that he felt the Northern Premier League outfit were beginning to get on top before the introduction of Caton and other subs swayed the tie back in the Sky Bet League Two strugglers’ favour.

“All credit to Russ and his team – they were set up really well,” Doolan said. “They were dogged, can play a bit and were physical, so they asked us a lot of questions.

“After they equalised, they were getting on top slightly, but we managed to get some footballers onto the pitch with fresh legs and I think we made our fitness levels count in the end.”