Irvine Times | Sport | HE SHOULD NOT HAVE REFEREED

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 28th May, 2008 12:30

HE SHOULD NOT HAVE REFEREED

By Stewart McConnell

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ANGRY Irvine Meadow boss Chris Strain hit out at referee Ross Haswell as his side's season ended without a trophy following their shock 2-1 defeat from derby rivals Kilwinning Rangers in Monday night's Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup semi-final.

Meanwhile, Buffs manager Alan McTurk lavished praise on his side, and hopes the win can boost the Abbey Park side into winning the trophy and the promotion playoff showdown at Cumnock.

While not accusing Haswell of bias, Strain was critical of two crucial decisions by the whistler and feels a Kilwinning referee should not have been in charge.

He said: "He is from Kilwinning and goes to see some of their games. I just don't think he should have been put in the position of having to referee a derby match."

The Meadow gaffer admitted it had been a disappointing season and confirmed some players would be leaving as a result.

He said: "While we won't be making wholesale changes we have the last couple of seasons I would say some players have not performed the way they should and three or four will be on the move."

Overjoyed McTurk said after the game: "I felt we thoroughly deserved the victory and it was great to beat a team who were runners up in the Super League Premier Division.

"We got to Benidorm for a break at the weekend and have a final to look forward to when we come back. We haven't played a team better than us and hopefully we can come through. After tonight we won't fear anyone in the final."