Penney unhappy with late leveller

Darlington manager Dave Penney was happy with his side's performance during the 2-1 home defeat against Gillingham at the weekend. The Quakers' boss however was less pleased with the performance of Craig Pawson the match referee. Penney felt the late decision to award the visitors a corner cost his side but remained level headed after the match when speaking to the media.

Darlington believe the late flag kick should have been a goal kick instead. Darlington, who went behind in the first half, pulled themselves level from the penalty spot however the late decision cost the home side what would have been a deserved point.

Despite the decision Penney remained cool whilst speaking after the match to BBC Radio Tees. A new campaign for the season demands that all managers and players should show respect towards match officials. Whilst the Darlington manager refused to be too critical his views about the performance of Pawson were quite clear.

"I think that there were a lot of controversial decisions throughout the game which incensed ourselves and the supporters, and rightly so. Obviously I can't say a great deal about referees because of the respect campaign and I really don't want to get fined," said the Quakers' boss to Radio Tees.

"I was at the far side but you look at the reactions of your players. Rob Purdie and Neil Austin are quite adamant that it was a goal kick. I think the linesman said it was a goal kick but the referee must have seen something different and awarded a corner."

"Usually you can see the reaction of the players and usually when that ball goes into the box a free kick is awarded when the referee has made a mistake. Our players certainly think he made a mistake. We saved the first one and then it has been back-healed into the net. That sums up our day I reckon."

"There was plenty of endeavour from us. At times it didn't quite drop for us or it dropped the wrong side of the man. When we had shots they were blocked but fair play to them, they defended well and frustrated us but I think you can see from the reaction of the crowd that they were disappointed with the performance of the referee. I was quite pleased with ours however despite the fact we didn't get a result."