Action from the Wroxham V Wisbech Town football match. Wisbech goalkeeper, Ryan Rayner, punches the ball into his own net to score for Wroxham. Picture: Denise Bradley

‘I will not walk out on Wisbech Town’ - Appleby to stay despite referee frustration

Story by: ROB SETCHELL, Reporter Friday, January 6, 2012
8:30 AM

EXASPERATED Wisbech Town boss Steve Appleby has revealed that poor refereeing pushed him to the brink of quitting football - but insisted he would not “walk out” on the Fenmen.

Wisbech vs Wroxham

A STIRRING second-half comeback was not enough for the Fenmen to prevent a 2-1 defeat to table-topping Wroxham on Saturday.

Nick Davey’s goal had given Wisbech hope of overturning a 2-0 deficit and Appleby said they were “extremely unlucky” to return from Trafford Park empty-handed.

“In the second half we absolutely battered them,” he said. “They even went to playing one up front and they won’t do that against many teams.

“We had them on the back foot and their ‘keeper made several great saves.

“It didn’t go our way again, but we took a lot of pride and belief from that performance.”

The 44-year-old, who will celebrate two years in charge of Wisbech next month, has become increasingly frustrated with what he says is a lack of “common sense” refereeing in the Ridgeons League.

But Appleby, who had three spells with the Fenmen during his playing career, said he still has “things to achieve” at the Elgood’s Fenland Stadium and would not leave before the end of the season.

“I think the standard of refereeing is the lowest it’s ever been,” he said. “My opinion is that they’re not allowed to referee with common sense.

“If I got the fixture list out, I could literally name 10 games where we’ve had shocking decisions go against us.

Wisbech vs Newmarket Town

GOALS from Ollie Gale, Steven Reid, Nick Davey and Chris Bacon helped Wisbech return to winning ways with a 4-0 thumping of Newmarket Town on Monday.

The win leaves the Fenmen fourth, but Appleby said he had been more impressed by his side’s display in the narrow loss to Wroxham.

“We played miles better against Wroxham,” he said. “Newmarket are struggling by their own admission and we got a bit sloppy.

“It was a comfortable 4-0 win, and we could have doubled that with the number of chances we had, but it’s another three points and it keeps us involved at the top of the table.”

“A lot of the games this year haven’t been decided by footballing ability, they’ve been decided by poor decisions.

“I’ve always said that if I ever got to the point where I stopped enjoying it, then I would consider my future in the game.

“I’ve thought about it and, to be honest, I’m still thinking about it but I will not make a rash decision. I will not walk out on Wisbech.

“I loved playing for them and I find it an honour to manage them.”

Action from the Wroxham V Wisbech Town football match. Wroxham celebrate after the Wisbech goalkeeper, Ryan Rayner, punches the ball into his own net. Picture: Denise Bradley

Appleby, who was sent to the stands during a miserable 3-1 defeat to Ely City on Boxing Day, said referees should not apply the strict standards of the Premier League to non-league football.

He said: “Players at this level are at this level for a reason. They are not Premier League players. They make mistakes but they are genuine and honest.

“They could make two honest challenges and a referee could give them two yellow cards. There should be some leeway. Do not apply Premiership standards to Ridgeons League football.

“I’m old school and I’d sooner just get on with it. You feel like you’re moaning and whinging all the time, but really all you’re doing is telling the truth.”

Action from the Wroxham V Wisbech Town football match. Matt Daniels, left, and Gary Gilmore for Wroxham and Steven Reid for Wisbech. Picture: Denise Bradley

Midfielder Sam Murphy is suspended for Wisbech’s Ridgeons Premier Division trip to Kirkley & Pakefield tomorrow.