National League North referees slammed again as Telford suffer more controversial calls

AFC Telford United boss Kevin Wilkin shown a red card at Edgar Street

AFC Telford United boss Kevin Wilkin has renewed his criticism of National League North officials after two more major decisions went against his side in the defeat at Radcliffe — adding to what he feels is now a clear pattern this season.

It follows his scathing comments after October’s match at Edgar Street, when he said he was “bamboozled” by the officiating and accused referees of getting “too excited” in front of home crowds.

In the first half, the referee initially red-carded Hereford's Kyle Howkins only to downgrade it to a yellow. Later in the game, Wilkin was sent off for what appeared to be delaying a throw-in.

"I think I stepped a yard inside their technical area," he said at Edgar Street, adding: "I've reached out to try and get the ball back into play. To be sent off for that, well, where are we going with the whole thing?"

Now, after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Radcliffe, he is once again questioning the standard of decision-making at this level.

Telford conceded from a contentious penalty given against Oliver Cawthorne — who was booked and later sent off — before shipping a second goal that replays showed was significantly offside.

“I don't think we were dealt a kind hand by the decision making of the officials at Radcliffe,” Wilkin told the Shropshire Star. “That's been the case a couple of times this season as well, and there are some really big calls that have gone against us.

“That same referee chalked off Rhys Hilton's goal at Darlington which was another decision that we'd certainly question, and there have been others too across a number of games.

“I don't want to go on and keep moaning about officials, but it just feels like we've been on the wrong end of too many.

“Their second goal was definitely offside. The referee tried to tell me afterwards that these things are subjective, but it's not subjective at all. You're either offside or you're not.”

He added: “People keep telling me it will even itself out, and I certainly hope that it does.”

After sealing promotion back to step two last season, Telford currently lie 16th in the table with 22 points from 19 games. On Saturday, they host Southport at the New Bucks Head.