BROWN SLAMS REFEREE AS ROVERS LOSE AGAIN

York City  2 - 0  Forest Green Rovers

Supplied by www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk

DAVID Brown pointed the finger at referee Richard Clark after Forest Green's third straight league defeat at York City.

Clark shocked many in the ground by awarding the hosts a 74th-minute penalty, converted by Michael Rankine, after Ross Stearn was adjudged to have brought down the striker.

York added a second goal through Adam Smith in the final minute, but caretaker Rovers boss Brown was in no doubt about the game's turning point.

"It was not even close to being a penalty, never in a million years," said Brown.

"The referee said our lad, who is about 3ft tall, brought down a 7ft lad in the box Not a chance.

"I keep telling the players to stay in the game, particularly away from home, and the chances will come. That's what we did until that decision.

"It gave them (York) the upper hand and destroyed us.

"Heads dropped, although we carried on trying to play and created a couple of half-chances.

"Anyway, I think the penalty came from a corner that was awarded when the ball hadn't gone out of play, so we're devastated.

"I'm gutted for the lads because we did miles better than in the previous game at Crawley, worked so hard and came away with nothing."

Despite his anger with the match officials, Brown admitted his side had relied on goalkeeper Terry Burton for some stunning saves and was again critical of the defending on show.

"Apart from the penalty, we've conceded six goals this season that have all been dreadful from a defensive point of view," he said.

To add to Rovers' problems, central defender Curtis McDonald picked up a foot injury at KitKat Crescent and is a doubt for tomorrow night's home game against title favourites Luton Town. 

Brown expects to be in charge for the Luton match and insisted he was still enjoying the job, despite 'two or three' failed attempts to sign players on loan prior to the York trip.

"It's not easy trying to convince people to come to the club and I need another injury like a hole in the head," he said.

"I am still enjoying it but ultimately it's about results and I'm not stupid. We've lost three on the bounce and that's got to change soon."

Forest Green Rovers: Burton, Taylor, McDonald (Pugh 61mins), Preece, Stonehouse, Brown, Platt (Lloyd 76 mins), Smith, Else (Stearn 69 mins), Davies, Challinor. Subs not used: Pass, Baldwin.

Attendance:  1954