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Faversham Town boss James Collins describes referee's performance in defeat to VCD Athletic as 'probably the worst' he has seen

Manager James Collins has slammed the referee’s performance in Faversham’s defeat at VCD as “probably the worst” he has ever seen.

The Lilywhites were beaten 4-1 last weekend, with Donvieve Jones and D’Jean Spencer both seeing red after collecting two bookings as Town ended the match with nine men.

Faversham boss James Collins. Picture: Alan Langley
Faversham boss James Collins. Picture: Alan Langley

Substitute Spencer’s first caution was for diving, with Collins feeling his side should have been awarded a penalty instead, while Collins felt Spencer was fouled by a VCD man when the referee punished the Faversham man for a foul and gave him a second yellow card.

“I felt it was probably the worst refereeing performance I have ever seen,” fumed Collins.

“I’m very loath to criticise referees but they could have had a player sent off.

“With Donvieve, I kind of accept his sending off.

“But I have watched the video back.

“D’Jean got one for diving and it’s a clear penalty. Then there is a collision between D’Jean and one of their players. I felt it was a foul on him but the ref has given it the other way.

“So, for me, D’Jean has been booked twice for fouls on him!

“Then at 2-1 down, we have broken and it’s the clearest penalty ever and it’s not been given. It’s an unbelievable decision.

“It sounds like sour grapes and he (the referee) has not scored four goals against us, but those key decisions have certainly had an influence on the game.

“Anyone who was there will say it was not a 4-1 game.”

Midfielder Lewis Chambers scored Faversham’s goal shortly after Jones had been given his marching orders as the Lilywhites came from behind.

But after Spencer had also been dismissed, the Vickers netted a further three unanswered goals.

Collins, whose team host Whitehawk this Saturday and may face former player Stephen Okoh, said: “They will both miss the weekend but that’s football.

“In the last couple of years, I think we have been pretty fortunate with injuries and suspensions.

“But we have a squad and we have a lot of games coming up, so we will need to use it.”

Town have re-signed midfielder Bola Dawodu from Herne Bay.

He played for the under-23s in a 4-1 victory at Phoenix Sports on Tuesday after coming off the bench against VCD.

Collins said: “He is another attacking option. He is someone we tried to sign last year.

“I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Dawodu is capable of playing in midfield, up front and in defence, and made himself straight at home as he completed a singing initiation which saw him belt out Elton John’s Rocket Man before the VCD loss.

Collins added: “That (his versatility) is another reason we have brought him in.

“He is probably one of the most-liked players in our football circles, and he has made himself straight at home.

“But he has got to play well in a position first.”

Faversham visit Lancing on Tuesday.

Read more: All the latest sports news from Kent

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