Ossett Town chief Craig Elliott fuming after referee’s handshake snub following draw with Farsley

Livid: Ossett Town boss Craig Elliott claimed referee David Benton refused to shake his hand after the 1-1 draw with Farsley AFC

Angry Craig Elliott claimed referee David Benton refused to shake his hand after ten man Ossett Town’s controversial Evo Stik Division One North 1-1 draw at Farsley AFC, writes James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson).
The farcical scene happened as the teams headed into the Throstle Nest tunnel following a local derby that was ruined by Benton, who two weeks ago cautioned Garforth midfielder Tawanda Rupere for pulling his sock up.
Ossett were fourth in the Fair Play League for the season, but somehow managed to rack up six yellow cards along with captain Richard Patterson’s early first half red card. This overshadowed a marvellous backs-to-the-wall performance which almost earned Ossett all three points.
Jimmy Eyles had given Ossett the lead late-on and only an Aiden Savory goal with minutes remaining salvaged a point for Farsley.
Elliott was also informed in the dressing rooms at the final whistle by Benton that he will be reported to the FA for foul and abusive language – a charge that the former Glasshoughton boss, who has never been sent off in his managerial career, will strenuously deny.
He told Sports Performer: “Us and Farsley are at the top end of the scale of the fair play league and that says it all.
“We are constantly showing good discipline and today we probably did lose our discipline a little bit. But we’re only human and you’re going to react to someone making bad decisions and then smiling at you.
“I like to think of myself as quite a calm manager who doesn’t response to things like that, but today I haven’t been able to keep my emotions. I never swore at him during the whole game though.
“I went to him at the end of the game and he wouldn’t shake my hand and I think that’s poor. If the FA knew about that then they won’t be happy.
“I’m a big believer in despite whatever happens on the pitch you still shake hands at the end.
“I got an email this week saying he was eager to give yellow cards out so he obviously has history.
“He was very quick to start showing cards and if you do that in a local derby, you’re setting yourself up for a long afternoon.”
Elliott was delighted with his own team’s performance and he added: “The players deserve a huge amount of credit because it’s up with there with some of the best results of the season.
“To come away to a team that is doing so well and get a point is fantastic. The lads have shown great character and I think we deserved a point at the very least.”

Ossett captain Richard Patterson was sent off for slapping Ross Daly in the first half

The chances of a competitive game with plenty of tackles were eradicated after just six minutes. Farsley skipper Robbie O’Brien was cautioned for a challenge that didn’t even warrant a quick chat and that set the tone.
Paddy Miller and Ross Daley were also warned for dissent in a crazy opening 20 minutes that then saw Patterson red carded for slapping Daly across the face.
There were no complaints about the sending off and Ossett being reduced to ten men only meant life became harder for Farsley as they struggled to break down a rigid Ossett defence.
Eyles, Danny Patterson and Andrew Fox were soon in the referee’s notebook before the dreadful first half drew to a close.
The second half did not get better. Ossett were comfortable keeping Farsley at bay and goalkeeper Sam Dobbs was rarely tested.

Jimmy Eyles scored ten man Ossett’s goal

A goal-less draw looked odds-on until Eyles put the visitors in front. Against the run of play, Eyles raced clear on goal and showed great composure by slotting the ball underneath the advancing Tom Morgan.
The goal clearly stunned Farsley and Neil Parsley’s side struggled to find a way back for a brief period. Savory had put one attempt over the crossbar before scoring the equaliser on 81 minutes.
Matty James, a constant threat to Ossett, played the pass and with his back to goal Savory turned defender Nick Wood and sent a fantastic strike into the top corner.
The goal spurred both teams on to score the winner and Eyles went close before Dobbs turned James’ goal-bound attempt wide for a corner.

Referee David Benton is escorted off after declining Craig Elliott’s handshake

The drama wasn’t even over when the full-time whistle was blown and after Benton clearly turned down the offer of Elliott’s handshake in front of the main stand, Dobbs was yellow carded for dissent for giving his verdict on the official’s display.
Farsley boss Parsley declined to comment on Benton’s performance, but said: “I think it was a fair result. We didn’t get going and we didn’t pass the ball as well as what we have done of late.
“Ossett made it really difficult for us and we found it difficult to break them down. Chances were far and far between.
“The sending off was a bad thing for us because it galvanised Ossett.”
Farsley AFC: Morgan, Hardy, Serrant, Daly, Dempsey, Miller (Owen 46), O’Brien (Hull 62), Young, Priestley (Ellington 69), Savory, James. Subs unused: Taylor, Grant.
Ossett Town: Dobbs, Stohrer, Jeff, D Patterson, S Connor, Wood, R Patterson (captain), Fox, Eyles, Hughes (Clarke-Adams 66), Ward (Wakefield 85 (Wood 88)). Subs unused: L Connor, Reece.
Referee: D Benton (South Yorkshire)
Attendance: 156
Man of the match: Danny Patterson (Ossett Town)

Match Photos are HERE