AFC Telford want 'consistency' in refereeing

Boss Andy Sinton has called for more consistency from referees – after seeing AFC Telford United pay the penalty for "a disgrace of a decision" at Barrow.

The Bucks went down 2-1 at Holker Street on Saturday to suffer their fifth defeat of the Blue Square Bet Premier season.

But the match was shrouded in controversy, with Barrow's first goal coming from the penalty spot after the linesman flagged for a handball against left-back Sean Newton.

"The penalty was an absolute disgrace of a decision, and that's being kind," said a fuming Sinton.

"I could see from 60 yards away it wasn't a penalty, and you only have to look at players' reactions.

"It really galls me when you have Barrow players walking off at half-time saying: 'Never a penalty'. That really upsets me.

"Referees at any level are inconsistent – we get told something different in the technical zone almost every week," he added.

"One week they'll allow two of us to stand, the next it's only one.

"Some weeks officials say they are not there to make decisions from more than 30 yards away but I was always brought up that the linesmen are there to help them.

"On Saturday one of the linesmen has made a decision and he's got it badly wrong."

Meanwhile, Telford have sent striker Alex Meechan out on loan to Blue Square Bet North club Harrogate Town in order to get some games, and he scored on debut in a 2-1 win over Gainsborough Trinity.

Another Buck on target elsewhere was Jordan Johnson, who has moved on loan to Evo-Stik League premier division leaders Northwich Victoria and scored twice in their 2-0 success over North Ferriby United.