Referee fails to stick to the game plan (09.02.06)

THE Magpies were eventually comprehensively defeated by leaders Weymouth on Saturday, but the result hinged on a poor decision from the referee which turned the tide against the visitors, according to manager Carl Taylor.
The Magpies boss said: “The game plan worked up to the hour mark.
“We planned to contain them and force them into going more direct for which we had a plan to counter.
“It worked well and they were just about to make the substitutions I thought they would, when the referee made a crucial decision on 60 minutes.”
Taylor explained: “Weymouth had a shot which hit their striker Craig O’Connor and was given as a goal-kick by the linesman, but the referee overruled him and gave a corner.
“This caused a couple of our guys to lose their discipline and from the corner Weymouth scored at the near post. This goal didn’t lose us the match, but it certainly was the turning point.
“After this we lost a bit of confidence and they scored a couple of quick goals late on to make the match seem something it wasn’t.”
In fact Taylor, while being disappointed at the final outcome, could take a number of positives from the contest.
He said: “We held out well for an hour and showed how far we have progressed. It’s a shame we couldn’t hang on for a little longer.
“I was pleased to see that Scot Tarr played excellently in goal which is good because he hasn’t had the best press recently.”
He concluded: “I take a number of positives from the game, and also some areas to work on especially discipline.”
The big games come thick and fast for the Magpies who tomorrow (Saturday) entertain one of the other high-flyers Havant.
Taylor said of the clash: “They beat Weymouth recently so still think they have an outside chance of automatic promotion, but they also lost to Newport two weeks ago, so they will be ready for a challenge.
“They know they will get a tough ride at our place as does everyone at the moment.
“We have a lot of confidence at home and have identified this as one we need to increase our intensity to get a result.”

The club held a fans forum on Tuesday evening, which Taylor described as ‘very worthwhile’.
He added: “Its good to meet the fans and talk face-to-face with them.
“I had various questions and I hope those who were there now have a better understanding of the task we have ahead of us, and what I’m trying to do.”