Clydebank Post | Sport | Ref’s blunders ‘gift’ win to Port

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 21st November, 2007 10:00

Ref’s blunders ‘gift’ win to Port

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NO LUCK: The Port sealed win late on

Port Glasgow 3 Yoker Athletic 1

YOKER Athletic can be very aggrieved by an awful refereeing performance at Ravenscraig Stadium which gifted Port Glasgow all three points.

After a late inspection of a terrible playing surface, the teams took to the field for an eagerly anticipated match between two promotion chasing sides.

It was a tense and tight affair as both teams contested midfield and neither side edged the other in the opening exchanges. Yoker’s best effort came from a Kenny Murray drive which former Whe Ho keeper Sean Graham scrambled over to hold well in the wet conditions.

At the opposite end, Kenny Meechan had to react sharply to prevent Nugent giving the hosts the lead. David Watt and Brian Miller both went close for the visitors but both sides went up the tunnel goalless at the break.

The game exploded into life in a crazy ten minute spell during the second half. Firstly, Yoker defender Brian Smith required treatment from paramedics to an injury picked up due to a ridiculously late challenge on him that the whistler let go unpunished. Then, moments later, Yoker took the lead as Watt superbly chipped Graham to give the Whe-Ho the lead.

Yoker got no change from the referee when Colin Clark was fouled and as he attempted to recover possession, Cark was deemed to have fouled the opposing striker. Skipper Scott McKay saw red for questioning why the first foul hadn’t been given. From the resultant free-kick, Port Glasgow levelled as Quinn’s rocket flew past Meechan into the top corner.

The home side were now using the extra man well and McLafferty headed into his own net as he tried to help defend against a Port cross from the right.

The Port added a third with five minutes to go, catching Yoker on the break as the ten men chased an equaliser. It was to get worse for Yoker when Ryan Frew picked up a needless second booking for a challenge on the half-way line. In Frew’s defence, his first booking was issued when he was struck by a free-kick whilst walking away with his back to the ball.

For the first hour of the match this was Yoker’s best performance of the season but after a few refereeing decisions, they were left fighting an uphill battle against a Port side who look strong contenders for promotion. Fortress Security Man of the Match was named as Leonard Marshall.

On Saturday, Yoker play Ashfield at Holm Park in the league, kick-off 1.45pm.

Anyone interested in sponsorship of Yoker Athletic or keen to help around the ground during the week or on matchdays, please get contact a committee member at a match or come down to Holm Park on a Monday evening.

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