Buxton’s patience wears thin on O’Toole

JAKE Buxton is losing patience with John-Joe O’Toole after the centreback conceded the penalty which gave Blackpool a 2-1 win over Burton Albion on Saturday.

The Brewers manager felt O’Toole did not have to make the challenge on Marvin Ekpiteta which led to the spot-kick.

Ekpiteta had lost control of a bouncing ball when O’Toole, falling himself, dragged the Blackpool player down in the 74th minute.

Jerry Yates converted the penalty to restore Blackpool’s lead.

But while he hinted that “personnel will need to change” Buxton admitted lack of numbers in defence will probably mean O’Toole stays in the side for now.

The former Northampton Town and Bristol Rovers man was sent off twice last season and has been red-carded against Fleetwood Town early in this season.

“I think he was rash again. I think it was a terrible decision to try to nick the ball,” said Buxton.

“It was giving someone a free hit on our goal. If the same individual keeps making mistakes and costing us goals, it’s tough to keep that player in.

“I’m disappointed with him making mistakes but we will probably ask JJ to go again, as we have not had a fit back line throughout.

“I’ve put my arm round him, I’ve told him. And I’ve told him in front of the group.

“I told him at Fleetwood, when he got sent off, but he’s obviously not taking on board what I’m saying.”

Blackpool’s winning penalty came at a time when Burton had been threatening a winner themselves following their equaliser, which added to Buxton’s frustration.

“We scored the goal and had a little bit of momentum,” he said.

“We looked fresher as Charles (Vernam) gives us that threat and at that point it looked like we were the only side putting on pressure and squeezing for a second goal.

“They had dropped their wide men back to give some protection to the full-backs because Charles was having some joy.

“Then, out of nothing, a long ball and we didn’t defend it well.

“We gave a corner away, didn’t defend the box well enough and gave a silly penalty away.

“At the minute we are giving the opposition one if not two goals a game very cheaply and we won’t pick up points if we continue to do that.

“It’s happening far too much and it needs to change.”