Chester City 1, Southport 0

Mar 12 2001 by Neil Turner

MAGHULL-BASED referee Robert Pollock certainly won't be on Mark Wright's Christmas card list this year after the Southport boss verbally attacked the official following his side's 1-0 defeat in Saturday's FA Trophy quarter-final tie at Chester City.

"The referee was an utter disgrace," raged the ex-Liverpool player. "I know these comments will get me into trouble, but it's just got to be said.

"The referee is an Evertonian and has also cost us games before. He was in charge when we lost to Rushden, and was a disgrace that day. Yet again he has worked against us in this match."

The former England International, who was visibly seething, continued: "How on earth we had seven players booked is a mystery to me.

"It was never a dirty game, it was hard-fought and competitive the way football should be. But to appoint a local referee like this man is just crazy."

Yes, Southport can consider themselves slightly unfortunate, not to have earned a replay at Haig Avenue tomorrow night, if only for their first-half performance.

Admittedly, the visitors had what looked like a perfectly good penalty appeal turned down after 16 minutes when Simon Parke went tumbling in the area following a challenge by Matt Woods, but the Sandgrounders can have no complaint about City's late winner, ironically scored by the errant Woods.

The 24-year-old central defender rifled the ball home from 10 yards two minutes from time following a Matt Doughty free-kick, but questions I am sure were asked about the Southport marking as the ball came in.

If Southport edged the first period, City certainly shaded the second, with ex-Southport player Steve Whitehall and Mark Beesley both flashing efforts inches wide.

With the heavy and tense game edging towards a replay, Woods popped up to score his sixth goal of the season and settle the tie. But nobody dared to mention to Mr Wright that the player is a former Everton trainee, his blood pressure probably wouldn't have coped with the revelation.

City boss Graham Barrow has now masterminded 10 victories in cup competitions this season and along with the capable back room staff of Paul Beesley and Joe Hinnigan he has begun to bring back some pride to Chester City in what are difficult times at Deva Stadium.

Barrow enthused: "It was a typical cup tie, and the lads have responded magnificently in what is a difficult period at the club. I did not see the penalty incident, but I thought in the second half we edged it."

Chester are joined in today's semi-final draw by Conference colleagues Hereford United and Forest Green Rovers along with Ryman League side Canvey Island.

Chester City: Brown, Moss (Haarhoff 49) (Porter 88), Doughty, Woods, Ruffer, Gaunt, Carden, Fisher, M Beesley, Whitehall (Wright 90), Ruscoe. Subs not used; Able, Woodyatt.

Southport: Dickinson, Lane, O'Brien (Grayston 55), Clark, Guyett, Boland, Marsh, Gouck, Arnold, Parke (Maamria 84), Elam (Firlong 84). Subs not used: Teale, Morgan.

Referee: Mr Robert Pollock (Merseyside)

Attendance: 3204.