8thoct04

Angels left bitter over cup exit 

TONBRIDGE ANGELS have confirmed they have sent a letter to the Football Association regarding the standard of the officials at the Braintree Town FA Cup second qualifying round replay defeat, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Longmead Stadium outfit were satisfied with the performance of the referee, however, they were concerned at the performance and fitness of both assistant referees.

The club are particularly concerned over Braintree's second goal particularly as home officials conceded their player was blatantly offside.

Tonbridge chairman, Paul Dainty, whose club has missed out on a lucrative home clash with Margate in the next round following the 2-0 defeat stated: "I was very concerned when I saw the officials warming up and said to Charlie Cole (secretary) that the linesman would not be able to keep pace with Luke Piscina.

"As it happened the linesman could not keep pace with the Braintree forwards and not giving offside for Braintree's second goal was an absolute disgrace.

"It would be difficult to find a clearer offside, even the Braintree directors admitted it was definitely offside.

"That said, Braintree deserved to win - we can have no complaints other than the officials - but I was very disappointed in our performance on the night as one attempt on goal all night is unlikely to win a cup tie."

www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk