Doncaster Rovers: Angry Dickov slams referee

A tepid northern area quarter-final sparked into life midway through the second half when Kyle Bennett, the best home player on view, cut inside on the left before rifling home a low shot past Magpies keeper Roy Carroll.

But Rovers celebrations were cut short, when Webb consulted with one of his linesmen and the goal was chalked off, seemingly for offside.

It appeared that Curtis Main was penalised for being in a slightly outside position, with his presence seemingly obstructing Carroll’s view when the shot was struck.

Salt was rubbed into the wounds when Liam Noble fired home the only goal of the game soon after to settle the tie, meaning Rovers have still won just once at home since March 22.

Dickov, speaking after the game, said: “I am angry really as it is a game we should have won.

“We had a goal chalked, for (why) we don’t know. We have had conflicting reports already and I have not been to see the referee.

“We think that if the goal was given, as it should have been done, we go on and win the game.

“There have been about four different stories. The way I see it, Kyle’s shot went in the goal and the referee was in a fantastic position. How he can take advice from the linesman forty yards over this side when he is standing over the top of it, I will never know.

“Nobody has touched it and none of their players ot bench have appealed.

“In the first half, I thought we looked a little bit lethargic. I will take the blame for that as I made five changes from the weekend.

“But I still felt we had enough to go out and win the game.”

Rovers are back in action on Saturday when they entertain Gillingham.