Steve Evans was left fuming at a last-gasp penalty decision that denied Stevenage victory in their 2-2 draw at Port Vale.
The hosts had led through Terence Vancooten’s early own goal but hit back to lead 2-1, Jamie Reid levelling and Vancooten making amends with Boro’s second goal.
But with more than the six minutes of added time played, the assistant referee waved for a handball by Dan Butler and Funso Ojo slammed in the resulting penalty, leaving Evans raging.
“In the first half we were appalling, that’s a kind word for it,” he said. “I think there was a lack of respect from some of our playing staff towards the Port Vale players, and they certainly haven’t got that from me because I know a lot of them personally and I’ve seen them play many times, they’ve outplayed us on three occasions this season.
“We changed it at half-time and got back in the game, scored a couple of good goals, missed some sitters to kill the game and I thought the points were ours.
“Then we’re well over the added time and a cross comes in and the assistant referee gives a penalty – on the video there’s not a chance that’s a penalty. It’s no surprise it’s at the home end with home supporters behind him and behind the goal. It’s an absolutely appalling decision.
“You cannot have an assistant referee get involved like that. I think we’ll be getting an apology but I’m sick of them, I don’t want them. They’re fighting to stay in League One but they won’t get any more help than that.
“It’s a disgraceful decision from the assistant referee. If he’s getting those decisions wrong he shouldn’t be officiating in the Football League. I don’t know his name, I don’t want to know his name but there’s nothing we can do.”
Vale, who parted company with manager Andy Crosby at the start of the week, extended their winless run to six games but joint interim boss Will Ryder was delighted with his players’ efforts.
“It’s a valuable point, it was a rollercoaster of emotions today,” he said. “What I was most pleased with was how the players stuck to the plan, they didn’t deviate around what we’ve worked on, the analysis.
“We stuck to what we knew could work for us, and it was really disappointing not to get three points but I’m delighted that we’ve managed to get something out of the game because we deserved it.
“We had a plan with the staff and we’ve worked really hard on our game plan and our strategy and making sure that we’re going to compete and do the horrible side of things, getting pressure on the ball and winning duels.
“I think we were unlucky not to get more goals than we did and I’m delighted for every single one of them that we’ve swung the momentum.”
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