Danny Whitaker had given the Latics a half time lead with a well struck shot from 25 yards but then the referee took control and the Blues were down and out. Royle told Latics World, "The first half was excellent although we didn't start as well in the second, but the game hinged on two big decisions which I'm afraid the referee has got grossly wrong. The referee's performance has affected the result instead of complementing the game. I tend to be very supportive of referees, but I really don't know what happened out there. One penalty has been given against us and I really don't know why, while one penalty for us hasn't been given because it was too obvious."
"We were terrific in the first half - we had freshness, we had movement and the front two ran them ragged. We scored one but it could've been more. The second-half performance was disappointing, but I was even more disappointed with the performance of the referee. Danny got us a great goal but we've ended up losing the game. If you look at it Shane has still not had a serious save to make. The penalty was ludicrous and there's no getting away from that. Their lad ran into Reuben and it was not a penalty in a month of Sundays. You could tell by the reaction of their supporters - the fans around us were laughing and Geraint Williams was embarrassed. Then Chris was brought down at the other end and the penalty wasn't given."