BRIDGWATER Town manager Richard Fey criticised the referee for ‘giving cards out like it was Christmas’ after the Robins played a goalless draw at home to Stratford Town on Saturday.

Joe Bushin was one of two players to be sent-off in the game, with Stratford’s Scott Hadland the other to see red – and Fey described the performance of the referee as ‘poor’.

He said: “I want to apologise to the paying supporters of Saturday’s game – not only did the strong wind ruin a good game, the performance of the referee was poor.

“He gave cards out like it was Christmas.

“I’m not one to moan about the officials in the press but this season, and especially lately, it’s becoming a joke.

“Every home game we have an assessor and I think this affects the performance of the ref.

“Carl, the Stratford manager, and I were disappointed afterwards and both felt there wasn’t a bad tackle in the game.

“It’s a shame because we know how hard it is to be a referee but it’s got to improve and I always say a good referee is when you don’t know they’re out there – and too many Saturday nights I’m telling my wife how bad they are.

“We played well against a very good team who want to go up and more pleasing is another clean sheet.

“Tonight (Tuesday) we play Merthyr; after only beating them a couple weeks ago away we now face them on our pitch, which is going to be a big test.

“They’re ten points clear and will be backed by a good following, so let’s hope the town of Bridgy come and support these young, local lads.”

The Robins welcome Merthyr Town to Fairfax Park tonight (7.45pm kick-off) before travelling to Sholing on Saturday