Kempston Rovers 1
Holbeach United 1
Tom Roberts couldn’t hide his disappointment with the officials after seeing his Holbeach United side denied a fine win at title-chasing Kempston Rovers on Tuesday night.
The Tigers looked set to secure a very impressive ChromaSport UCL Premier Division victory when Jack Smith nodded them ahead from a corner on 40 minutes at Hillgrounds Leisure.
Holbeach held on to that lead all the way up until the 94th minute, when ex-Tiger Ash Fuller turned home a hugely controversial leveller.
The winger looked to be well offside when he turned home a cross from close range – but no flag was forthcoming, meaning the Tigers were forced to settle for a point.
It’s the second time this season that Roberts and his side have felt hard done by against Kempston, having conceded two penalties in the 3-3 draw at Carter’s Park back in February.
“I’m absolutely devastated,” admitted the Holbeach player/boss. “It’s the second time we’ve played them this season – and the second time that the officials have had a big say in the final outcome.
“The referee indicated there would be four minutes of added time, but he must have played seven. I don’t know the exact minute they scored, but it was very late.
“And Ash was a good three yards offside. You could tell he knew he was offside, but the flag just never came.
“It’s absolutely devastating for the lads, it really is.
“That decision has taken the shine off what was a very good performance from us.
“Don’t get me wrong, they had a right go at us in the second half, but I felt we defended their long balls very, very well.
“We deserved the win and it would have been a good one for us, but I feel it was taken away from us.
“When players and managers don’t perform, they are criticised. But officials get a free pass, I don’t understand it. I’d like them to explain to me how that goal was allowed to stand.”
Beating Kempston, who have only lost once in the league all season, would have been a real boost for Holbeach as they bid to gain momentum ahead of next month’s UCL League Cup final against Peterborough Sports.
The point leaves the Tigers sixth in the standings, but they will climb up to fourth if they can win at basement boys Huntingdon Town tonight (Thursday, 7.45pm).
Roberts is able to welcome back Ollie Gale and Aaron Eyett for the game at Jubilee Park, while new signing Oli Donald should continue at right back having impressed on his first appearance against Kempston.
The Tigers player/boss felt Donald, signed on dual forms from Bottesford Town on transfer deadline day, had an “incredible” debut.
After the Huntingdon clash, Holbeach complete their four-game week with a trip to Kirby Muxloe on Saturday (3pm).
They then host leaders Leicester Nirvana at Carter’s Park on Wednesday (8pm).
Tigers: Drury, Donald, Cartwright, Stevens, A Jackson, Clitheroe, Tidswell, Warfield, Jack Smith (Dougill), Ford, Ward. Not used: Russon, John Smith, Roberts.
