A possible last minute winner was ruled out by match officials after Phoenix defenders were said to have stopped the whole ball from crossing the line

 

But today the club issued a statement denying they were “blaming” Monday night’s match officials.

"Although everyone associated with the club is disappointed not to have beaten Phoenix at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Monday, the players and the coaching staff know they had several chances to score throughout the match,"said the statement.

"If they had taken these opportunities, then the final moments of the match would have been irrelevant."

NQ Fury Football Operations Manager, Robbie Middleby added:  “Fury prides itself on playing positive football with real heart and passion.

"We apologise if any comments or actions made by club representatives over the past 48 hours have been perceived as negative, as this is certainly not the way we operate.

“Our table position is based on a season of results, not one match, and although luck plays its part in sport, the players and the coaching staff take full responsibility for results – good or bad.

“We have eight matches left in the regular season and we still remain confident that we can get the points needed to push for a top 6 finish.”