Ex-Premier League referee on Cambridge penalty shout against Bolton

The Whites were held to a 1-1 draw against the U’s at the UniBol, with Sam Smith cancelling out Declan John’s opener in stoppage time.

Moments before the equaliser, the visitors thought they should have had a penalty when Luke Mbete brought down Fejiri Okenabirhie.

Referee David Rock judged the contact was just outside the box, and Smith’s equaliser came from the resulting free kick.

Speaking as part of Sky Sports’ Behind the Whistle series, Foy explained why he thought it was the right call.

“This incident came deep into injury-time and the penalty area was crowded, but the referee ensured he was in a good position and focused at a crucial stage of the game,” he said.

“Effective teamwork with the assistant referee to establish that the foul was just outside the penalty area and composure in this situation was key to the free-kick being the right verdict.”

The result leaves Wanderers sixth in the League One table as they aim to secure a play-off spot and give themselves a chance of repeating their Wembley heroics against Plymouth.

Ian Evatt’s men are only above seventh-place Derby on goal difference ahead of Saturday’s trip to struggling Oxford.

The U’s are without a win in their last 14 games – a run stretching back to January 21 – and sit two points above the drop zone heading into the business end of the campaign.

The Whites were beaten 3-1 when the sides met at the UniBol back in October despite Dion Charles’ second half strike.

Wanderers ran out 3-2 winners on their last trip to the Kassam Stadium in February 2022, with Amadou Bakayoko scoring a dramatic late winner.

You can follow the Bolton News on social media by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

If you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form