A regular talking point amongst fans is the standard of refereeing in the Conference.Some people believe it's good, some believe it is bad but the 150 or so Town fans at Burton tonight were left bewildered by the inconsistent display from West Midlands official Andy Hendley.
Burton Albion recorded a 1 v 0 victory to keep their faint play off hopes alive where as Town drop a place as the battle to beat the drop intensifies.But the game won't be remembered for anything other than being littered with incessant whistle blowing, bookings for innocuous fouls and a red card for each side.Sadly, the one issued to Andy Campbell was the pivotal moment of the game.
Defences were on top early on with little in the way of scoring opportunities for either side.Not a surprise when you consider how often play was interrupted needlessly by Hendley's whistle.Jon Shaw fired wide for the home side after escaping his marker Neal Trotman. Danny Forrest shot wide from 25 yards as The Shaymen responded then Craig Mawson pulled off a fine save, tipping Keith Gilroy's shot round the post.
Darryl Clare appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after 33 minutes then full back Aaron Webster beat 4 Town players as he headed into the box. He went down under a Steve Haslam and Ryan Cresswell's challenge but the penalty appeals were waved away. Clare chased after the referee but his protests were ignored.
Tyrone Thompson and Ryan Cresswell received questionable yellow cards within a 3 minute period of madness from the official. Andy Campbell chased a long ball out of defence and got the better of Burton's Ryan Austin. Campbell looked to be held back as he headed towards goal but the Referee waved play on.The ex Middlesbrough man chased the man in black who immediately brandished a red card, presumably for comments made by the Town striker.
Half time came with the score goalless and shortly after the interval Chris Wilder introduced Shane Smeltz in place of Darryn Stamp as he looked to freshen up his attack.
Burton enjoyed the majority of possession without troubling Mawson. Resolute defending from Haslam, Trotman, Cresswell and Doughty ably backed up by a tigerish midfield restricted the home side to long range efforts.
Haslam became the 3rd Town player to receive a yellow card then Town attacked with shots from Thompson and Killeen that failed to trouble veteran Kevin Poole. Smeltz turned in the box and Poole saved well at his near post but the resulting corner was cleared.
Out of the blue Burton took the lead. A move on the right reached Marc Goodfellow and his left foot shot from 20 yards beat an unsighted Mawson with the assistance of the post.
Trotman had his name taken then in injury time and Danny Holmes received a red card after a lunge at Matt Doughty.
The game ended 1 v 0 to Burton and Town will wonder what might have been with 11 men on the field. Andy Campbell's frustrations cannot be condoned but were understandable considering the incompetent display that brought bewilderment and annoyance to both teams and sets of fans.
Town will be hoping for another battling display at Forest Green Saturday.
