A draw with Ossett was a fair result, according to Harrogate chief Billy Miller
Harrogate Railway boss Billy Miller claimed referee Hristo Karaivanov made the right call by not awarding Ossett Town a last minute penalty in yesterday’s Evo Stik Division One North encounter, writes James Grayson.
Calum Ward was brought down by Railway defender Michael Morris in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw and the assistant referee signalled for a penalty – only for the referee to overrule his assistant and award Harrogate a free kick.
Miller believed the correct decision was given and said a draw was a fair result.
“No (I don’t think they had a right to feel aggrieved) I thought it was one decision the referee got absolutely right,” he told Sports Performer.
“I thought it was a free kick initially and then Calum has rolled the defender and they have fallen down together. I can understand because if it was at the other end I would have appealed for it.
“I think it would have been harsh if they had won the game on that decision. I believe the penalty we got, which thankfully the keeper saved it, was a penalty from where I was. But from talking to some of the lads, they were bewildered by it because they thought he (Sharry) had took it down well on his chest.
“I was really aggrieved by their goal because I thought that was handball. There was still a lot to do after that, but the bounce has fallen nicely for Calum and he took his chance.
“I thought 1-1 was a fair reflection of the game.
“I thought they had a lot of possession, but not more chances, on a difficult pitch which I think was a leveller.
“I think they’re a good side, but it is going to be hard for them at home because you can’t get the ball down and play it. You need two touches to get anywhere.”
Ossett’s Shaquille Clarke-Adams leaves Railway defender Simon Wood for dead
For Harrogate the focus is now on the Doodson Sport Cup second round tie with Farsley AFC at Station View tomorrow night.
Miller has always said that staying in the Evo Stik Division One North was the first target and he won’t do anything that may jeopardise that aim so admits his line-up against Farsley will be different to the one that faced Ossett.
“I think we will give lads a run that need a run,” he said.
“It is a bit of a free hit and I’m sure Pars and Jacko are looking at it in the same way. The priority has got to be to maintain our status in the league.
“The thing with the West Riding Cup and the Doodson Cup is that once you get through a couple of rounds you take it a bit more seriously. At this stage, Monday night, it is a free hit and a great opportunity to give some lads a run.
“The side will change from the team that played against Ossett. We also have one or two kids that we might bring in. The side will certainly change.
“The priority for me is Salford next Saturday. The other problem (on Monday) is we don’t want to put a full-strength side out and pick up a couple of injuries.
“For a club of our size we don’t have the biggest squad in the league and something like (a few injuries) that could destroy our season.”