Harlow skipper James Bunn, in action against Billericay on Monday, was singled out for praise by player-boss Ryan Kirby (EL7259-315)

FOOTBALL

HARLOW Town player-manager Ryan Kirby has refused to blame match officials for the position his team is in, writes Nick Hodgskin.

In recent weeks the Hawks have had some horrendous decisions go against them, including three potentially game-changing incidents during Easter Monday's 2-2 draw with rivals Billericay.

Referee Chris Francis awarded Billericay a controversial free kick - with the ball moving - that lead to the visitors equaliser, denied Rhys Henry a seemingly blatant penalty, and controversially ruled Kenny Davis's second half strike offside.

But Kirby believes referees get the majority of the decisions right, while insisting that individual decisions would not matter if his team stopped making defensive errors.

He said: "I actually think that he (Francis) is the best referee in the league.

"We've only had him a couple of times but you can tell straight away he's a sensible ref.

"You can always talk to him, and when he gets a decision wrong he holds his hands up and admits it.

"That makes a huge difference, as honesty in the game is important. I think he's a very honest ref."

He added: "I don't think their first goal was a free kick and it was moving when he hit it long.

"You can't expect everything to go your way" - Ryan Kirby

"But if Danny (Chapman) deals with it the way you would expect him to, then we wouldn't be talking about it.

"You can't expect everything to go your way because you know it don't work like that.

"But I think he got 90 per cent of the decisions right, which is better than most refs.

"I have got a lot of time for referees like him."

Kirby has also praised the efforts of recalled captain James Bunn, with the striker scoring five goals in the last nine games. He remains the clubs leading goal scorer this season with 14.

"Since James has come back into the side he has been fantastic," said Kirby.

"He's been working hard and getting into the right positions. He's calling for the ball more and has been great with the young lads.

"He's also leading like a captain and his movement in the box is superb.

"His scoring rate is a goal every other game which is great for him and the team."

He added: "We needed a win over Easter to ease the pressure on us.

"But we're fortunate enough that our fate is still in our hands.

"We're playing well, creating chances and if we start cutting out silly mistakes, then the results will come."

8:56am Friday 28th March 2008

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