Manager blasts ref over ‘howler’ that cost Thorn cup spot
(East Kilbride win 7-6 in penalties) from Thorn’s management and players, who were left incensed that the goal never stood and resulted in an end to their cup campaign.
Furious manager Johnny McEwan said: “It was the worst piece of refereeing I’ve ever witnessed.
“It was a howler and I think everyone was in shock about how the events unfolded.”
It had looked as if it would be an easy afternoon – albeit playing in stormy conditions – for the Johnstone side as they raced into a two goal lead courtesy of strikes from Ian Paterson and David Edwards.
But, on the stroke of half-time, they conceded a sloppy goal that gave East Kilbride RR hope going into the second half.
The home side came out all guns blazing to take a 3-2 lead into the last 15 minutes of the match against a Thorn side who had seen skipper Ryan Crawford red carded moments before.
Defender Paterson popped up again to equalise and the game headed for penalty kicks before the drama unfolded and the official’s howler ended their hopes of reaching the last 16.
Boss McEwan added: “We played well in the first half and should really
It was a howler and I think everyone was in shock about how the events unfolded Johnny McEwan
have killed the tie.
“But we lost a goal at a bad time just before the break, then a couple of other mistakes saw us chasing the game.
“Although we were eventually undone by the referee, we need to learn the lessons from our own performance.”
Thorn Athletic return to action on January 11 against Dundee outfit Fintry as they bid to earn a place in the last 16 of the Scottish Amateur Cup.