Davis brands ref a bottler

9:40am Thursday 4th December 2008

FURIOUS Steve Davis felt the referee cost Nantwich a golden chance of victory at title-chasing Guiseley.

The Dabbers boss was adamant his side should have had been awarded a penalty when Ashley Carter was upended in stoppage time.

"It was an obvious decision to everyone but for me, the ref bottled it."

Steve Davis

He thought Andy Smith bottled it as the visitors had to settle for a 2-2 draw last Saturday.

"It was an absolute stonewall penalty," blasted Davis.

"It was an obvious decision to everyone but for me, the ref bottled it.

"If it had been at the other end, I think he would have given it.

"The lad has taken Ashley Carter clean out and made no contact with the ball."

Victory would have been a considerable boost to their promotion claims with hosts Guisley looking to go top before kick-off.

Even so the Dabbers will be heartened by a fine performance in a pulsating advert for UniBond Premier football.

On loan from the Alex, Ashley Westwood made an impressive debut in defence as they pushed the hosts all the way.

Adam Muller had given Guiseley a dream start as they punished Nantwich for failing to clear a corner after just three minutes.

But Mickey Lennon volleyed the Dabbers back into contention as they began to dictate terms.

Lennon turned provider as Dave Whittaker fired the visitors in front on the verge of half-time and things looked good until sub David Brown put away a 74th-minute leveller.

"On another day, we would have won," added Davis.

"Before the start I would have been happy with a point but afterwards I felt it was two points lost.

"We were the better side and I thought we deserved to win.

"We looked lively and had more chances in what was our best away performance for a while.

"We took the game to Guiseley and the lads worked hard."

Currently 10th in the table, Nantwich entertain ninth-placed Bradford Park Avenue at the Weaver this Saturday.

Tickets will be on sale for Nantwich's FA Youth Cup Third Round clash at Everton.

The club will be putting on coaches for the lash on Monday, December 15.

Visit www.nantwichtownfc.com for further details.