It’s a Storey of real frustration for Heed
GATESHEAD were denied a merited three points at Chester through an unfortunate Louis Storey own goal at the death.
An under-pressure Storey could only direct Declan Weeks’ cross past his own goalkeeper Jacob Chapman and into the corner of the net.
The body blow came in the seventh minute of injury time after only six minutes had been signalled.
That, along with a penalty decision which went again his side and Luke Williams’ late red card, frustrated Mike Williamson.
The Heed player-manager saw his side dominate the game at the Deva Stadium but only lead through Robbie Tinkler’s 56th-minute strike.
They had the chances to put the game to bed and were then hit by a late sucker-punch by a Chester side still looking for its first win.
A disappointed Williamson said: “I am struggling to understand how we did not take all three points.
“We could have been out of sight, but the referee’s performance has left me lost for words.
“We had penalty claims while he has given Chester a soft penalty.
“Then there is the sending-off and the amount of time added on.
“I was extremely pleased with all the lads, they were excellent, and Chester should have been dead and buried.
“We were robbed and it was an absolute disgrace - the referee’s performance was mind-boggling.”
Following the 1-1 draw in Cheshire Williamson’s have the chance to return to winning ways when they entertain Guiseley this afternoon.
Chester created little in front of a 1,401-strong crowd and rode their luck before the Heed broke through.
Williamson had almost scored on
the stroke of half-time but saw his header superbly tipped over by Louis Gray.
Dan Ward’s cross was then deflected goalwards by Danny Livesey for Gray to again save, only for Tinkler to lash home the loose ball.
Adam Campbell missed a one-onone before Chapman saved Darren Stephenson’s 76th-minute spot kick and the striker’s follow up.
Substitute Luke Williams was sent off near the end for a high challenge, Chester then pinching a point in fortunate circumstances.
Chester joint-manager Anthony Johnston said: “Gateshead had 75% possession but as much as they battered us we stayed in the game.
“They are a top side and we should not have taken anything out of the game with those stats.”