HMH feeling robbed by a ‘goal that never was’

FC ELMSTEAD 4 HMH 3

FOOTBALL AVI Goldberg believes HMH were victims of “daylight robbery” after they bowed out of the London Sunday FA Cup at the last 16 stage against FC Elmstead, who scored a controversial winner in added time.

HMH led three times in a thrilling tie through Ben Winters, George Goldberg and Ethan Krell, but Goldberg was critical of the match referee when the official “inexplicably gave a goal that clearly hit the post and came out”.

Goldberg said: “How the referee missed it is a question that is unanswerable. Sportsmanship was definitely not a winner here. Elmstead refused to confirm or deny whether the ball had crossed the line. We live and learn that we have to polish teams off and not allow them back into the game.”

HMH were missing a number of regulars through injury, suspension or non-availability, but they welcomed back Thomas Prais, who lasted just five minutes before limping off.

Goldberg said: “This was a creditable performance, considering how many players we were missing.

“It should never have got to that stage, but the goal that never was quite clearly got their tails up. We will take the winter break and focus on the domestic treble when we return.

“I’m hoping that the injury room is cleared as we will then be an even bigger force to be reckoned with. Fielding a team each week in the last two months has been quite a feat.”