Sam Foley backs goalkeeper Wyll Stanway after mistake costs Bromley dear

Barrow player-coach Sam Foley backed goalkeeper Wyll Stanway after his mistake cost his side dear in their 1-0 defeat to League Two play-off contenders Chesterfield.

The Bluebirds were fresh off the back of beating league leaders Bromley and holding second-placed MK Dons to a goalless draw last time out.

Stanway produced a spirited performance during their Good Friday draw, but went from hero to zero as his mis-hit clearance went straight to James Berry and allowed the Wycombe loanee to slot home the only goal of the game at Holker Street.

Foley said: “It’s very unfortunate for Wyll. He’s been a hero for us three days ago and then the mistake defines the game.

“I’m frustrated for sure.

“It was quite an even game as chances were going. They had a lot of the ball, we knew that would happen and we set up to nullify them and the lads did that really well.

“The goal happens. I’ve said to the lads in dressing room and we all agree on the fact that mistakes do happen – it’s how you react to that.

“That’s not going to define our season. We’re going to react to that and the lads are just as motivated as anything to crack on with it. With the situation we’re in, that’s all we can do.”

There was a strange moment in the first half where referee Darren Drysdale blew his whistle when Danny Rose went down in the box, with the official eventually deciding to award a drop ball.

But on the incident, Foley added: “I’ve not seen it back, but I think the guys are saying it’s not a penalty so I’m not sure what the referee’s blown his whistle for, so you’d have to ask him that question.

“We got into a great position. We got into those positions regularly and it’s just one of those things.”

The Spireites secured a third-successive 1-0 win as they maintained their hold on the seventh and final play-off spot.

And coach Gary Roberts said: “They’re a team who have had a couple of good results. I watched them last week against Bromley and they deserved their win against the league leaders.

“We gave them the respect that they deserved but it was a well deserved win for us.

“I thought we were worthy winners. We were nearly perfect today.

“Ryan’s clearly got a hand on the ball. The referee’s blew his whistle early. I’m unsure whether he’s had contact with his linesman or the fourth official.

“I’m not entirely sure on the ruling once he’s given the pen, can he change? But the lads said he never gave the pen, he just blew.

“I think the right decision came out of it because (goalkeeper) Ryan Boot’s clearly got a hand on the ball.

“We’ve probably had six discussions on this across the season, but we haven’t killed teams off like we’d want to.

“But all credit to the back lads and Ryan Boot because that’s three clean sheets in a row now.”