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Rovers ready to fight for Carl
Story courtesy of Burton Mail
Gresley Striker Carl Rathbone plans to appeal against his sending off at the Moat Ground on Saturday.
Rathbone was dismissed for retaliation after clashing with Blakenall full back Darren Wilkinson in the 87th minute of a stormy FA Vase second round tie won 1-0 by Rovers.Wilkinson was also sent off but Rathbone said afterwards: “It was a disgraceful decision. The bloke was stamping on me and kicking me in the head and in those situations you’ve got to defend yourself.”
Manager Frank Northwood said: “We’ll have a look at the referee’s report but I feel we will be appealing. Rathbone didn’t deserve to be sent off. It would never have come about if referee had been doing his job. The linesman had his flag up for a foul but the ref chose to ignore it.”
Northwood was much happier about other aspects of the performance, however.
“It was a great game,” he said. “I felt we could have won by three or four but their keeper made some great saves. But I’m giving myself a pat on the back because I felt I picked the right team for the job. The boys responded superbly. It was a great team performance and everyone in the crowd got value for their money.”
Striker Brian Beresford scored Rovers’ winner from the penalty spot but could be doubtful for tomorrow’s league game against Rushall at the Moat Ground (7.30) after picking up an ankle injury.
But an injury to Richard Denby is not now thought to be a serious as first thought and the midfielder could be in the reckoning for Saturday’s trip to Oldswinford.
