Tuesday, October 21, 2003

WORCESTER City's goalless draw at Hinckley United ended in acrimony last night with boss John Barton accusing the referee of swearing at Adam Wilde.

The alleged incident occurred in the 75th minute after furious City claims for a penalty following a crashing challenge on Leon Kelly were ignored.

Barton was so incensed by Coventry official William Ramsay's actions that he plans to speak to the Football Association over the matter.

"I feel very strongly about it and I will see what action we can take against him," said Barton, who also raised his concerns with an FA referee assessor after the match.

Barton was also adamant a penalty should have been awarded to Kelly.

"It was a scandalous decision, you will never see a more blatant penalty," he said.

Kelly was sent sprawling at the end of a breathtaking run past four players in what was a rare moment of excitement in a drab affair punctuated with an endless supply of long hopeful balls.

City could still have snatched victory late on in the 85th minute only for two heroic goalline clearances to deny John Snape and substitute Mark Owen.

A minute earlier at the other end Neil Cartwright blazed the Knitters' best chance over from 15 yards but in a match characterised by hustle-bustle, little flair and even less imagination a point apiece was as much as either side deserved.

In fairness to City it was a poor pitch and they were seldom troubled but the improved form of recent matches was nowhere to be seen at Middlefield Lane.

"It was a dogged performance that didn't quite get up to the heights of recent matches but we had chances late on which were blocked on the line," added Barton.

"Some of our play was poor in the second half especially when we had space and time on the ball but I thought the first half was a decent performance.

"Talking about the referee's penalty decision sounds like you are clutching at straws but it's a decision that's cost us the game.

"Leon's gone past four players to create an opportunity so why would he fall if he wasn't fouled."

City's failure to gain maximum points saw them drop down to eighth place in the Dr Martens Premier Division and four points adrift of new leaders Crawley. Nuneaton and Weymouth both lost.

City: McDonnell 6, Davies 5, Carty 5, Heeley 7, Woolley 6, Foy 5, Lyons 5, Snape 6 (Woodley 90), Wilde 5, H KELLY 7, Webster 5 (Owen 71). Subs (not used): Middleton, Parker, Hayes.

Attendance: 281.