Rangers boss blasts referee for red mist

Stafford Rangers manager Greg Clowes today blasted referee Dumitru-Ravel Cheosiaua after progression in the FA Trophy came at a cost for his side.

Michael Carr and Karl Espley were both red carded for second bookable offences as Rangers beat Rugby Town after extra-time in last night's home replay.

Rangers assistant boss Dorian Garner was also sent to the stands in a stormy affair at Marston Road, which was set in stone after Saturday's 1-1 draw.

Carr and Espley will now serve one-match suspensions to take effect in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League match at home to Ilkeston a week on Tuesday.

Danny Quinn settled the Rugby tie from the penalty spot after winger Jimmy Turner, who got the goal in the first game, was tripped by Craig Kelly.

Kelly wasn't even booked for the challenge, which only made Rangers chief Clowes' blood boil further after his nine-man team battled through.

He said: "You would have to be made of metal not to have an opinion, the most crucial decision was the penalty and it wasn't even a yellow.

"We keep getting letters from the league and the Football Association saying we have to show this and that to the referee.

"I just hope someone sends the referee a video of his performance so that he can take a look at it, because it was shocking.

"For Michael Carr's two yellow cards, the first one was fair as he handled the ball but the second was a fair tackle, as far as I am concerned.

"But because it was right near the away dug out, they were jumping around ranting and raving and, for me, the referee has bought into it.

"However, I have no argument with Karl Espley's bookings, he pulled the lad back on both occasions."

Saturday's first game saw Rangers dominate and then fall behind, Lee Downes and Courtney Pitt going close before Fazel Koriya scored.

Turner's equaliser took the tie to Marston Road on Tuesday night and the turning point came just two minutes into extra-time.

Up stepped Quinn to score his fourth spot kick of the season and earn Rangers a home tie against Ramsbottom United, on October 27.