ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman felt his side got the thin end of the wedge against Bury.

Despite having the better chances, Michael Jones and Brian Barry-Murphy gave the Shakers a 2-0 lead.

But the flash-point came on the stroke of half-time when Efe Sodje had a stay of execution after he upended Gregg Blundell as he burst through clear on goal.

And to compound the let-off, John Mullin’s resulting penalty was saved by Wayne Brown in the Shakers goal.

Jamie Clarke did score from the spot in the second half, again after Sodje had transgressed, but it wasn’t enough for Stanley.

A frustrated Coleman said: “There wasn’t too much in the game. We paid for a 10-minute spell in the first half when we defended poorly and got punished.

“I don’t think in any shape, way or form that Bury are better than us but we didn’t play the way I know we can.

“We were a little better in the second half but a long way from our best. We had a couple of good chances to take the lead and we didn’t.”

Coleman also felt that Sodje was lucky to stay on the field after two notable fouls.

He added: “I can’t say anything because I’d get into trouble but I think he (Sodje) had nine lives today. He gave away the second penalty and with him already being on a yellow card, I don’t think the referee wanted to issue a red.

“I was frustrated with the way we were playing but when you see Paul Mullin being used as a step-ladder, and he gets a foul given against him, your frustration is going to come out.

“We were on the wrong end of the little things and we’ve been on the wrong end of them too many times.”