Striker was ‘looking for it’ after Bristol Rovers were denied a penalty against Portsmouth

Bristol Rovers thought they should have had a penalty yesterday when Aaron Collins fell inside the box after a tangle with Joe Rafferty.

The Pirates ended up losing 3-1 away at Portsmouth and were left frustrated at Fratton Park.

However, pundit Jobi McAnuff believes the referee made the right call and has said on ITV’s Football League highlights show that Collins was ‘looking for it’.

‘Key moment’...

The former Reading man said: “I felt that Aaron Collins was looking for it. You can see it at this angle here that he sticks his left leg out to initiate a bit of contact.

“It was a very key moment in the game. It could have gone either way. In Portsmouth’s point of view, in the form they are showing at home in particular, those decisions are just going for them at the moment.”

Pompey took the lead on 32 minutes through in-form defender Connor Ogilvie, only for Collins to equalise on 61 minutes.

Danny Cowley’s side then scored twice through Joe Pigott and Owen Dale to seal another three points.

Tough week for Bristol Rovers

It has been a tough week for Bristol Rovers after they were beaten 3-0 away at Barnsley last Tuesday night.

Joey Barton’s side find themselves in 15th place after two wins and three defeats from their opening five games.

Next up is a home clash against Shrewsbury Town at the Memorial Ground and they will be looking to get back to winning ways.

Collins will be a key man for the Gas this term and he has already chipped in with four goals. The 25-year-old got 18 in the last campaign to help his side win promotion from League Two and will be looking to replicate that goal return.