Controversy continued to dominate Wednesday night's fixture that saw the visitors take all three points when a clearly "offside" goal was awarded to Killingworth shortly before half-time.

Amble played good football and can be severely aggrieved at the manner of this defeat. The match was played in controversial circumstances as well as amongst scenes descibed as "utter chaos" due to the apparent interpretions of the laws of the game by the match official. The cogent concern related to the refusal to use official club linesman as part of the game, thereby constantly taking incorrect decisions, over-ruling throw ins, goalkicks and corners and generally failing to apply the laws of the game. This continued interpretation led to Killingworth scoring a goal that was clearly three yards offside.

Amble dominated the second half and brilliant play by Billy Eastway and Shaun Jobson saw Ben Davidson cut inside and power a fierce shot against the crossbar with Richard Bell's follow-up header being saved by the keeper. The homeside could have been awarded two penalties when Jobson was pulled back and in another incident, clearly brought down from behind inside the box. Jobson had two shots saved and Paul Nisbet came close with a freekick.

On a positive note, Timmy Muter made a welcome appearance from the subs bench following a long-term injury layoff and Craig Jones should be back in contention for selection in the next two weeks. Chairman Bruce Jobson commented after the game that the club has always and will continue to support refereeing decisions even to the detriment of the result. "Without referees, games wouldn't take place.  It's as simple as that.

"However, many supporters were completely exasperated tonight and have expressed  strong opinion that the official fell considerably below an acceptable level of competence normally associated with senior football at this level. The supporters are entitled to their opinion and can only make informed judgements on what they saw over 90 minutes.  An official complaint and report has already been forwarded on behalf of the club."

Amble FC Hansen, Timson, Towers, Straker, S Jobson, Dunne (Eastway) Connor (D Armstrong)  Nisbet, Moore (Muter)  Davidson, R Bell Subs Megson, Sayer

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