Paul Wotton: “99 out of 100 referees give that, unfortunately we had the one who didn’t”

A baffling decision from referee Said Ouchene denied Torquay United a clear penalty and a chance to earn a battling victory over Maidenhead at Plainmoor.

Having shared goals between Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and former Gull Josh Umerah, United looked to have won a certain spot-kick when Louis Dennis was tripped in the box, but the referee saw it as simulation from the man in Yellow.

“There were a few questionable decisions today and I very rarely comment on referees, but I think we should have had a stonewall penalty late in the game, which hasn’t been given,” said United boss Paul Wotton.

“I didn’t need to see it back, but I have seen it back, and it’s a stonewall penalty. I don’t know how all four officials could agree it wasn’t a penalty; it is quite baffling. I think 99 out of 100 referees give that, unfortunately we had the one who didn’t.

“I’ve been in football 32 years and never had an apology from a referee until three last year and one this season, so it can’t keep happening. It is a stonewall penalty but that doesn’t mean we score it.”

Despite that frustration, United had plenty more opportunities to seal the points and it concludes a frustrating week, having lost at lowly Chippenham on Tuesday, when numerous chances were also spurned.

Focus now shifts to an away double header at Eastbourne and Worthing, with the Gulls two points behind leaders Dorking having played a game more.

“The boys did really well, we could have scored way more goals with a bit more quality in front of goal,” added Wotton. “It’s a tough one to take because the boys gave everything.

“We were the dominant team in the first half. They grew into it a bit more in the second half but we still had more than enough chances to score the winning goal.

“I’m disappointed with their goal, we’re not keeping enough clean sheets, which is frustrating. We had a chance to go 2-0 with a bit more composure and they got a free-kick ten seconds later and scored.

“We kept going right to the end but, like I say, a tough one to take. We will keep going, stay confident and keep believing.

“Since Hornchurch at home when we lost 2-1, and including that game, our performance levels have been very high. We’ve just got to stay focussed and keep believing in what we’re doing.

“We played well on a challenging pitch and it was good to be at home because you could feel the fans were right up for it today. We were as well but we recover, rest and go again.”