Hampton & Richmond boss Chick Botley launched a stinging attack on the match referee after his side were cruelly denied their second win of the season at Hendon last weekend, writes Mike Simmonds.

The Beavers were leading 3-1 with 15 minutes to go only for the home side to equalise from the penalty spot in the dying seconds of the game.

"The referee was the most blatant homer' we have seen all season," fumed Botley. "He was intent on making sure Hendon got the equaliser.

"No-one knows why he gave the free-kick which lead to their second goal and the penalty was a joke. The ball was out of play when the two players ran into each other.

"We score three goals away from home against the best home side in the league and still only get a point.

"We defended superbly, but you can't legislate for referees like that."

Defender Tony Houghton was sent off after picking up two yellow cards, for dissent and kicking the ball away, and Botley said: "It cost us three points and both bookings were avoidable. He will be fined."

Hampton play host to Bedford Town tomorrow, with Jesse Hall and Ashley Sestanovich both doubtful after picking up knocks against Hendon.

l Hampton and Richmond have made a last-gasp application to join the proposed new Conference League after initially saying they would not.

January 31, 2003 11:00