DORCHESTER Town boss Steve Thompson admitted he was “baffled” by the officiating of his side’s 1-1 draw with Evo-Stik Southern Premier South league leaders Taunton Town.

Thompson was shown red for the first time in his managerial career by referee Lee Roberts after venting his annoyance at a number of decisions given against the Magpies.

Thompson’s main gripes surrounded a foul by Pierce Mitchell on Tom Blair when already cautioned and an offside against Ben Seymour.

Speaking to Echosport, Thompson revealed he was “amazed” his side did not receive more decisions in their favour.

He said: “There should have been another yellow card. (Mitchell) was already on a yellow and we had players booked for basically nothing.

“I think it was four fouls on the spin where it just completely wiped out our player and only one yellow card shown out of the four. It should’ve been a second yellow.

“Also, we were right through. The linesman put his flag up – I was right in line at the time. The defender was two metres outside Ben so I’m disappointed with that decision as well. It’s very frustrating for me.

“I was moaning at the decisions. I’ve never been sent off in 22 years of coaching and management.

“I was amazed at the poor decision on the offside and baffled by some of the decisions not to book their players when we were so easily booked.

“It wasn’t the best performance by the officials. I know they have a hard job, I’m not a detractor from referees and assistant-referees – I try to back them whenever possible, my record shows that.

“Some of those decisions were very hard to take.”