Quorn 2
Holbeach United 2
It was a case of mixed emotions for Holbeach United boss Danny Hussey on Saturday as he felt key decisions went against his side in an otherwise impressive 2-2 draw at Quorn.
Two goals from the recalled Ryan Oliver gave the Tigers a 2-0 lead against their fellow Uhlsport UCL Premier Division high-fliers, but Jack Duffy and Stephen Hart netted to ensure the spoils were shared at the Farley Way Stadium.
However, Hussey felt that Quorn should have had a player sent off for what he called “an assault” on Adam Jackson while his side were two goals the good.
He also ruled a key deflection that led to the home equaliser, admitting that small things went against his side on the day.
“I would have been happy with 2-2 before a ball was kicked,” admitted Hussey. “To know we’d still be above a side paying big money and getting a point on their 3G would have pleased me.
“And I am pleased with the performance and a point is not to be sniffed at, but I think we deserved better on the day. We were 2-0 up and they were getting very ratty; they were horrible and always on at the referee.
“One of their players then tackled Adam while the ball was static and kicked him up in the air. If that happens on the street, you’d get arrested for assault.
“So, to see a yellow card come out was a bit bemusing. I think everyone expected a red card, even the Quorn players and staff.
“They had a player in the sin bin at that time too, so we’d have been ahead and against nine men. Would it have made a difference to the outcome? I think so.
“It’s the second time in recent away games that refereeing decisions have cost us. I’m not usually one to have a pop, but I thought the officials were poor on Saturday.
“They also disallowed a Joe Smith goal that looked nowhere near offside.
“It was great to see Ryan Oliver come into the game and get two goals, he really deserved that. His first goal was special and he had a really good 70 minutes.”
Striker Oliver, who stepped up to start in the absence of Jonny Lockie, collected Luke Wilson’s crossfield pass and lobbed home a super opener from long range.
He then chased onto his own header and benefitted from a keeping error to double the lead.
Quorn pulled one back, but should have been further behind when Joe Smith saw a good-looking goal flagged offside.
Holbeach were then unfortunate to see a deflected strike fall kindly for Quorn, who equalised to snatch a point.
The draw sees the Tigers stay fifth, one point clear of their opponents.
Tigers: Drury, Wilson, Fairweather, N Jackson, T Smith, Tinkler, J Smith (Avis), A Jackson, Adams, Ford (Bird), Oliver (Braithwaite).
