Megson bemoans `lack of determination'
Posted Saturday, September 19, 2009 by PA
Bolton manager Gary Megson took a sideswipe at his defenders after the 1-1 draw against Stoke at the Reebok Stadium.
Matt Taylor converted a penalty with a minute to go and gave them a share of the spoils after Danny Collins had bundled over Sam Ricketts.
Stoke were stunned as they had been in sight of their first away win in the league thanks to Dave Kitson's third goal of the season in the 52nd minute.
The manner of the strike angered Megson, who has now seen his side pick up only four points from five games.
Kitson skipped away from Ricketts after Ricardo Fuller had won the ball in the air.
Megson said: "You will not see a worse goal to concede at any level, never mind professional football.
"It was a lack of determination and that cannot happen. People have got to do a lot more to score against you.
"We have dealt with corners, every throw-in from Rory Delap, but gave away a terrible goal."
Megson felt the result was about right given the way his side performed late in the game.
"I did not think there was a great deal of difference between the teams in the first half," he said.
"It was looking like a battle of attrition and a poor first half in terms of entertainment for everyone.
"We were much livelier in the second half and on the front foot. We caused them a lot more problems.
"We had two of three good opportunities. The penalty was nailed on and I thought it was the least we deserved the way we played in the second half."
Stoke manager Tony Pulis had no quarrel with the penalty and felt Collins should have dealt with the situation better.
"He has got to stay on his feet but people are getting tired and taking chances," he said. "To get a penalty against us late on was a disappointment."
Fuller was booked for simulation in the seventh minute following a challenge by Gavin McCann but Pulis felt that decision by referee Mark Clattenburg could be open to debate.
Pulis said: "I am told by the TV people it was a penalty as the player (McCann) takes his legs.
"When you get a yellow that early you are concerned but Ric and Kits caused them problems.
"We were worth the 1-0 lead. If we had won the match I don't think anyone could complain."
Pulis is looking for Kitson to kick on after he failed to find the target in the colours last season and was loaned back to his former club Reading.
"Strikers live on confidence and Dave's got three goals now. I hope he gets a run of form together," said the Stoke boss.
"Perhaps he will go on to score 12-15 goals in a season, which is what we thought we would get when we bought him. "
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