Disappointed Danny Hussey rued key decisions going against his Holbeach United side as they suffered a 1-0 Buildbase FA Vase defeat at South Normanton Athletic on Saturday.
After dominating a goalless first period at the MJ Robinson Structures Arena in Derbyshire, a second-half strike from Martin Smyth sent the Tigers crashing out of this year’s competition at the first round stage.
Boss Hussey felt that his side had two clear penalties ignored by the officials after a blatant handball and a clear foul on striker Jonny Lockie.
The Holbeach chief also felt the South Normanton goal should have been disallowed, claiming the ball had gone out of play before Smyth smashed home the decisive strike.
“I feel frustrated myself and I’m disappointed for the lads,” said Hussey. “I’m afraid the officiating was really bad.
“We didn’t deserve to lose the game – infact, we probably should have won.
“Key decisions went against us at every moment, which was as real shame of the boys. To be honest, some of the decisions were inexcusable.
“I’m not down on the lads, they performed well, especially in the first half. We got dragged down to their level in the second half and that was disappointing.
“But I’ll never complain when they put that much effort into a game.”
Tigers: Drury, Wilson, T Smith, N Jackson, Fairweather, J Smith, Tinkler, Ford, Lockie, Adams. Subs: Oliver, Braithwaite, Bird, Avis.
