Rival boss's verdict on the goal that shouldn't have stood against Rotherham United

The home side's second goal was allowed to stand yesterday despite a challenge from scorer Josh Stokes on Millers goalkeeper Cameron Dawson that should have been penalised,

It was a key moment in a 3-2 defeat for the visitors that took their League One losing streak to seven consecutive matches.

Hamshaw was fuming afterwards, saying his team had been the victim of yet another refereeing injustice this season, and Challinor didn't argue with that point of view.

“In any other game of football it would be a foul,” the Stockport manager said. “I can understand why Matt would be disappointed.”

The Millers fell behind in the first half when Sean Raggett deflected a shot into his own net and levelled in freakish circumstances just before the interval when County shot-stopper Ben Hinchliffe kicked the ball into the back of teammate Joseph Olowu and watched in horror as the ball rebounded over the goalline.

Referee Aaron Bannister's mistake in the second half saw Rotherham fall behind again. The Millers restored parity through substitute Sam Nombe only to concede again when home sub Benony Andresson scored from close range.

Challinor added: “We started the game well and got ourselves in front. Then, I want us to do a little bit more, sense blood and go and get that second goal.

“Rotherham get themselves back in it, we lose discipline with our shape and the midfield becomes non-existent.

“We were affected too much by a freak incident that not many, or if any, people will have seen before. It was a moment that cost us in terms of our attitude. We went into our shells a little bit and I’m displeased about that.”

The 23rd-placed Millers now have two home matches - against AFC Wimbledon and Northampton Town - in which to try to cut the five-point gap between them and a position above the drop zone.