"For the life of me" - Kevin Nolan hits out at Wycombe Wanderers, Northampton Town flashpoint | OneFootball

Kevin Nolan was left frustrated after his team had a goal disallowed in a scoreless draw with Wycombe Wanderers.

Frustration was the word of the afternoon at Adams Park on Saturday, as Wycombe Wanderers and Northampton Town played out a scoreless bore draw.

The Cobblers thought they'd taken the lead inside 15 minutes, when a corner was swung in and met by captain, Aaron McGowan, who steered it past Franco Ravizzoli. However, referee David Rock ruled the goal out for an alleged handball - a decision which ultimately cost Northampton all three points, as the game ended 0-0.

Town manager, Kevin Nolan, was left bemused and frustrated at full-time as he couldn't understand why the goal had been ruled out. The visitors probably would've snapped your hand off if you offered them a point before kick-off, but the decision to rule the goal out left a sour note hanging over what was a great performance from the Shoe Army.

Kevin Nolan hits out at referee after Wycombe Wanderers flashpoint

Nolan has an impressive record against Wycombe, having won all three of his previous encounters with the Buckinghamshire outfit at Adams Park. Whilst that record came to an end yesterday, he remains unbeaten against the Chairboys in their own backyard.

However, the recently-appointed gaffer felt that the winning run should've continued, as he saw nothing wrong with the disallowed goal. Speaking to the press after the match, Nolan said: "He [the referee] said it was for handball, but I can’t see that for the life of me. Aaron [McGowan] doesn’t need to put his hand out to score because his whole body is in front of the ball.

"It’s disappointing, but we have to move on because it doesn’t make any difference now, and I don’t want to be talking about referees. There’s lots of positives to focus on.”

Despite not getting the three points, Northampton now sit a comfortable six points ahead of the relegation zone. They will be looking over their shoulders nervously though, as a big win for Burton Albion yesterday made a statement in the battle for survival. As Nolan said, there is plenty to build on after a strong showing against promotion-chasing Wycombe.

Sam Grace also frustrated as Wycombe fail to captialise on poor results

Benji Walker (@benjiwalkerphoto)

It was an opportunity missed for Wycombe as well, as promotion rivals Wrexham, Birmingham City, and Huddersfield Town all dropped points over the course of the weekend. Wanderers had a great chance to extend their buffer to third place, but failed to do so in what was a favourable fixture on paper.

The managerless side now have to face Barnsley on Tuesday night, which could be a vital game for both sides. With that in mind, interim manager Sam Grace was left ruing missed opportunities at the final whistle.

The stand-in boss told the press: "Tzanev is their man of the match, making two big saves. One from Joe Low in the first-half and one from Fred [Onyedinma] in the second.

“It is frustrating, but it’s another point gained. Obviously, you look at the table and other results have gone our way.”

Frustration really proved to be the key for both sides in what could've been a massive three points for either of them. However, both were forced to settle for a solitary point as the promotion and survival race have entered a pivotal stage of the season.