BRADFORD (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower was left in disbelief by referee Paul Brown’s display in his side’s 2-1 defeat against Boston United at Horsfall.

The loss means that Bradford sit at the bottom of the Vanarama National League North, effectively 12 points away from 20th placed Curzon Ashton with Avenue’s goal difference standing at -51.

Although, the hosts held more than their own in large spells of the match, goals from Dominic Knowles and Simon Ainge were enough to grant Boston all the spoils.

Bower selected several decisions that he believes should have gone his side’s way and which in turn aided in Bradford being unable to gain any points.

He said: “We are not getting help. It was an absolutely stonewall penalty in the first half.

“He didn’t play the ball, he fouled him (when Tom Clare was deemed to be dragged down in the box).

“Other things went against us throughout the course of the game that were baffling from a refereeing point of view.

“Joe (Green) is fouled (for the second goal) but that was not given.

“There was an absolutely shocking tackle in the first five minutes when Alex Hurst was running at their centre half. It just defies any kind of logic.

“The linesman said the referee thought it was early in the game, well he missed the ball. If he doesn’t foul him, our lad is through running into the penalty area.

“It’s a yellow card all day long. It puts them on edge for the rest of the game, it set the tone for his performance.”

Bradford responded to going two goals down immediately with a stunning strike from Nicky Clee. The Avenue boss credits his team for showing resilience in attempting to come back.

Bower said: “I thought it was harsh on us, we matched them throughout the game, man for man.

“You can’t fault the players, they keep going out and are just not getting any breaks.

“After conceding two poor goals we are pleased with the reaction, we looked liked the team more likely to score, we just need a little luck in front of goal.

“The second half became a little more cagey but when we put them under pressure we had three or four glorious chances, from which we have got to be taking at least one.

“We feel for the lads that they didn’t get what they deserved - at least a point from the game.”