Andy Hessenthaler unhappy with refereeing decision during Gillingham's defeat at Port Vale
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Andy Hessenthaler makes his point to the
referee at full-time Picture: Barry Goodwin
by Luke Cawdell
Andy Hessenthaler thanked his side for their performance on
Saturday, but was left miffed by some costly refereeing
decisions.
Hessenthaler shuffled his side for the match at Port Vale and
brought teenagers Jack Evans and Connor Essam into the defence.
The Gills boss saw his side lead until the 81st minute and was
left fuming at referee Darren Drysdale.
“I have to be careful what I say or I may get myself into
trouble,” said Hessenthaler.
“I went in to see the referee and got a couple of explanations
from a couple of situations.
“We’ve lost a game that we didn’t deserve to lose. We were the
better team. We have had one-on-ones, and that should have taken
the pressure off us as we should have scored.
“Then we have had Gavin Tomlin go through on goal and their
fella (who fouled Tomlin on the edge of the box) doesn’t even get a
yellow card. I’m miffed. I am disappointed with their (the
officials’) explanation.
“They felt it wasn’t a red card and it wasn’t even deemed a
yellow card. I just can’t understand where these people are coming
from. I have been in the game a long time and I thought it was a
straight red. That would have changed the complexion of the
game.
“I also believe the ball was out for the second goal. Even their
stewards and goalkeeper coach said the ball was out. We haven’t had
the luck there.”
But despite the defeat Hessenthaler was delighted to see an
improved display.
“As for the performance, it was absolutely outstanding,” he
said.
“I couldn’t ask for any more from the players. If they show that
desire and commitment and the way to play football from now until
the end of the season then we will be okay.
“I thanked the players in the dressing room.”
Essam and Evans, in particular, put in great
performances.
Hessenthaler said: “We have been asking ourselves 'are they
ready?' I think they proved that they are ready and I thought they
were terrific, along with everyone else.
“We had a young team out there and we had Simon King, who has
had a tough time with his ankle. He has just got over a couple of
injections. He was out on his feet at the end.
“I said to the boys ‘keep your heads up’. The directors came in
afterwards and they were enthused by the way the boys went out and
tried to play and with their commitment.
“I have already had a text from the chairman and we just need to
keep showing that (sort of performance) until the end of the
season. Allthough we are still on a real bad run I couldn’t thank
them enough for that performance.”
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Thursday, February 16 2012
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