What was widely considered a horrendous decision cost Carlisle City two points in their home game with Whickham.
The visitors had knocked out City in an FA Cup tie 10 days ago and the Cumbrians should have had their revenge last night.
A Whickham corner struck Josh Simpson, was deflected onto the home goalkeeper and then cleared. Not one Whickham player appealed but after about 15 seconds the referee awarded a goal. It went down as an own goal by Simpson.
City manager Jim Nichols was distraught. Afterwards he said: “Their player nearest to the incident ran past and said he’s never ever seen anything like that.
“It was never near going over the line and we didn’t see the slightest hint of an appeal by Whickham players which tells its own story. The player who had ran past did say he made a half-hearted appeal because they were getting nowhere but couldn’t believe it was given.
“I’m afraid this isn’t just an isolated case, we’ve had it before, but there’s no accountability. Nothing ever happens. We can send video evidence in and give our report but nothing changes, there’s never any comeback.
“I was flabbergasted it was given but it’s not the first time it has happened to us. It was really, really disappointing because we did everything possible to win that game.
“Apart from the first quarter when they took the lead, we controlled the game and really battered them. We hit the post and their goalkeeper made six or seven really good saves. We did everything possible to win that game and were let down by something which was out of our hands.
“The only positive I can take out of it is that the performance, if we can match, would see us compete with anybody in the League.”
Dan Field had given Whickham the lead on 16 minutes but Carlisle City got themselves in front with a brace from Jordan Palmer on 36 and 66 minutes. The controversial own goal came 12 minutes from the end.
City are in action again on Saturday with a rearranged Northern League game at Northallerton, one of the strugglers last season who appear to have strengthened. They are three points behind the Carlisle side with a game in hand.
