Rob Smith blasts 'joke' penalty after narrow Telford defeat
AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith has blasted 'an absolute joke of a penalty' after his side lost 1-0 at Darlington.
Mark Beck's spot-kick, awarded after David Ferguson went down under Dwayne Samuels' challenge in the 52nd minute, was enough to separate the two sides in a rather lacklustre affair.
Despite the loss, the Bucks have secured safety in National League North as they are six points clear of the relegation zone with one game left.
"It was probably another hard luck story. Honestly, I thought we matched them every step of the way," said Smith.
"We had the better chances in the game and an absolute joke of a penalty has won it for them, even their manger was laughing.
"When you don't get decisions like that, you are never going to win a game. I'm disappointed."
When asked if he felt Samuels got the ball, Smith added: "Without any shadow of a doubt, it's a joke of a decision.
"But you've got to take your chances. If you take your chances, it's a different game of football.
"We're safe, which is the objective. I've got to say the supporters were unbelievable as well. I'm really proud of them for coming all the way up here."