Defeat angers Vines

BASINGSTOKE Town manager Francis Vines blasted referee Lee Collins after watching his side go down to an injury-time winner.

Town stay rooted to the bottom of the Conference South table after losing to Braintree at the Camrose on Tuesday, December 5, in a game overshadowed by injury to teenage striker Joe Harris.

The 19-year-old collapsed on the pitch following a collision with Braintree midfielder Andy Porter in the first half.

Harris was taken to Basingstoke hospital by ambulance after appearing to be struck in the face by Porter's elbow, but was released the day after, after being treated for concussion, severe bruising and a facial cut.

While deeply concerned for Harris' welfare, Vines said he was more angry about an incident that took place a few moments earlier, when the youngster appeared to be kicked in the head by Braintree left-back Mark Jones during a scuffle.

Mr Collins and his assistants convened to talk about the incident but decided not to take any action.

Vines said: "The incident took place right in front of me and the guy kicked Joe in the head. There is no place for that in football and it should have been a red card."

With regard to the incident that saw Harris injured, Vines was of the opinion it was an accidental collision.

The game actually marked Harris' first league start for the club, replacing Neville Roach, who picked up a knock against Aldershot and was allowed to rest on the bench.

Justyn McKay was also left on the bench after picking up a knock and, with Francis Quarm suffering from flu, Luke Townsend came into the midfield, playing on the left, with Matt Warner switching to the right and Simieon Howell moving inside.

The first half was a disjointed affair due to the incidents involving Harris and Town had the only real chance, James Taylor hitting the outside of the post after a low cross by Townsend.

The game finally kicked into life in the last 15 minutes. Townsend saw a shot from left of the area well-saved after good work from Ben Surey and Warner, but Braintree, almost immediately, broke down to the other end to open the scoring.

A long, hopeful ball found Bert Brayley on the left of the area and he beat David Ray before giving Stuart Searle no chance with a looping shot from the edge of the box.

Basingstoke responded well and drew level just a minute later when Townsend broke down the left and found Surey in the box. He put the ball across the face of the goal, presenting Roach, who had come on for Harris, with a simple tap-in.

Town looked the more likely team to clinch the game with Roach, Cristian Levis and Joe Dolan all going close, but it was the visitors who claimed the three points deep into stoppage time.

Brad Quinton launched a left-wing free-kick deep into the Basingstoke box and centre-back Russ Edwards was able to rise unchallenged to head the ball home from 10 yards.

"I was really disappointed to see them score in that situation," Vines said. "Braintree were woeful and I cannot believe we have not beaten them. We have not played a worse team here this season, so to lose is absolutely criminal."

Basingstoke Town: Stuart Searle, David Ray, Joe Bruce, Robert Watkins, Joe Dolan, Luke Townsend, Simieon Howell (sub Cristian Levis 41min), Ben Surey, Joe Harris (sub Neville Roach 37min), James Taylor, Matthew Warner. Subs (not used): Jason Bristow, Justyn McKay, Ben Wright.
Attendance: 724