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RENNIE HARD TO DIGEST
Lincoln City manager Keith Alexander and captain Jamie McCombe slammed referee Uriah Rennie after Saturday's 1-1 League Two draw with Mansfield at Sincil Bank.
The Imps were leading 1-0 - thanks to Francis Green's 53rd-minute strike - when Premiership official Rennie controversially penalised Lee Beevers for a foul on Stags substitute Simon Brown in the final seconds.
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Beevers appeared to win the ball, but Rennie awarded a free-kick - 25 yards from goal - which Alan Russell fired home to earn the Stags a point.
The result saw City drop down to ninth in the table - two points outside the final play-off berth.
"I thought it was a shocking decision for the free-kick," said Alexander.
"I thought it was a shocking refereeing decision, full stop.
"You can't blame the goal solely on the referee's decision, but we've had three select group referees this season and I think he is the worst."
McCombe backed his manager's view of the South Yorkshire official's performance - and criticised his handling of the free-kick situation.
"I was disappointed by a few decisions he made throughout the afternoon," said McCombe.
"I might be wrong, but he gave the free-kick - which I wasn't sure about - and then held up his whistle to indicate he would blow before the kick could be taken.
"As their lad took the kick I was facing the referee and never heard the whistle go - but he let the goal stand.
"He also wasn't willing to listen to the players when they tried to speak to him."
Despite being annoyed by Rennie's decision, Alexander conceded his side should have dealt with the set-piece.
But he insisted a point could prove to be crucial as the season heads towards the closing stages.
"I've seen the goal on the video and we could have dealt with it better," admitted the Imps boss.
"We had a wall in place, but the ball somehow managed to end up in the net. That is something we are going to have to work on this week.
"Despite conceding the late goal, I'm happy with the performance.
"Unfortunately, when you are only one goal ahead the opposition always has a chance.
"Derbies are difficult. Mansfield are on a bit of a run - and we're not having a good time at the moment.
"We had a good spell in the match, but you have to score goals. I'm not criticising the players because they've had a hard week.
"It could prove to be a decent point, although it feels like two dropped at the moment."