As printed in the Morning Star 3rd April, 2017
ALTIRNCHAM manager Matt Doughty blasted referee Paul Marsden for his controversial calls during his side’s 2-1 loss to Salford City on Saturday, a result that sees the Robins relegated from the National League North.
A furious Doughty said: “I think it’s a farce. That kind of officiating should not be allowed. When you’re fighting for your jobs — which we are — and when you’re fighting for three points when you’re bottom of the table, you just want fairness.
“I didn’t blame the referee for the last match but, trust me, I am blaming this one. It’s so difficult and it gets you frustrated when you can see yourself that these are obvious decisions.”
Thirty-nine-year-old Gary Jones put Altrincham ahead just before half-time with a 30-yard screamer that flew into the top corner. But it was just a couple of minutes after the break when Sam Walker scored Salford’s equaliser with a well-taken penalty.
Inside 65 minutes, Simon Grand gave the hosts the lead by heading in the rebound from Stuart Tomlinson’s fine save, after the hosts broke through on goal.
The rest of the match mostly saw Altrincham with the ball in the opposition’s box, which led to three penalty appeals being turned away by Marsden, leaving both the Altrincham manager and his players incensed at the official.
The result means a second consecutive relegation for Altrincham, who will be playing in the Northern Premier next season — the club’s lowest position in their 114-year history.
But despite this, Doughty commended his players on their efforts against a promotion-chasing side. “Collectively, that’s the best we’ve played by a country mile. Salford are in the play-off zone and have been so all year, but I really feel we deserved to win the game.”
Jacque Talbot 