Money left fuming by referee’s performance

Hatters suffer cruel Trophy defeat

HATTERS boss Richard Money felt his side were denied a place in the FA Trophy Final by a poor refereeing performance as they were knocked out by Mansfield on Saturday, writes Mike Simmonds.

Town were held to a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road, meaning they exited the competition due to their 1-0 defeat in the away leg at Field Mill last Sunday.

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The match was shrouded in controversy though as after Lloyd Owusu put Luton ahead in the second half, Hatters had both Claude Gnakpa and Alex Lawless sent off.

In extra time, the hosts held out for 28 minutes until, official Graham Scott spotted a handball in the area and stunned Kenilworth Road by awarding a penalty.

Lee Briscoe’s effort was saved by Kevin Pilkington, but he made no mistake with the rebound, sending Stags to Wembley.

Money said: “We asked for a big effort from the terraces, they were fantastic and they saw a big effort from the team.

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“We have to use it now as a positive going forward, because I think we’ve shown each other, the team and the support what we’re capable of achieving for the rest of the season.

“I don’t really want to comment about the game, all I do know is we’ve got George Pilkington with a massive hole in his foot for the tackle by Briscoe, who goes on and scores the penalty.

“I don’t think either (of Gnakpa’s tackles) should have been a yellow card, while Alex Lawless has jumped for the ball. If the ref has sent two off for us, they could have three or four sent off, but that’s football. And as regard for the penalty, what do you want him to do?”

For more reaction, see the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale this Wednesday.

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