How the Irish fared: Joe Mason embroiled in diving furore

It was a weekend of contrasting emotions for Joe Mason as his equaliser for Cardiff in the 2-1 Championship win over Charlton on Saturday was overshadowed by his part in a diving controversy.

Mason’s close-range effort eight minutes into the second half was his fourth of the season but it was an incident before the interval which brought the 24-year-old a yellow card for simulation rather than a penalty that was the post-match focus of attention.

However his manager, Russell Slade, rushed to the defence of his player. He said: “Joe has been hard done by. The linesman gave a penalty, he flagged for it, but the referee felt he should overlook it.

“I find it an odd one to fathom.”

There was frustration for Brentford playmaker Alan Judge after a late Sheffield Wednesday goal secured a 2-1 win for the Owls and meant the goal he thought had rescued a point counted for nothing.

Chris Hughton’s Brighton continue to lead the way despite conceding a last-gasp equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Bolton. Hughton said: “I genuinely felt we were going to hold out. I couldn’t see Bolton scoring, which makes it harder to take.”

In contrast, Mick McCarthy was grateful for a late goal as Ipswich fought back to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Bristol City.

“We had enough chances to have won but when you are 2-1 down with five minutes to go, you’ll take the point,” McCarthy said.

In League One, Chris Forrester was thrilled after scoring his first goal for Peterborough in the 2-0 win at Bradford.

He said: “It wasn’t the best goal I have scored, but it is up there in terms of importance.

“I have settled quickly into life in Peterborough. It is about progression for me now.”

Elsewhere, a Sam Foley penalty gave Port Vale a 2-1 win at Fleetwood while Michael Timlin was on the mark as Southend saw off Scunthorpe by the same score.

A Conor Sammon strike helped Sheffield United to victory against Doncaster while Shaun Williams netted as Millwall saw off Rochdale. Both games ended 3-1.

In the Scottish Premiership, a Graham Cummins header hauled St Johnstone level in their 2-1 win over Dundee United.