Following is a transcript from a Herne Bay paper, published this week.
A bizarre decision by Referee Albert Parker shocked players and fans alike in United’s opening National Roller Hockey Premier League game of the season.
United were six goals ahead and coasting when, for a reason known only to himself, Parker approached the timekeepers and announced he had decided to abandon the match.
He then quit the Rink. ‘To say everyone was stunned would be an understatement’ United spokeswoman Aileen Barker told the Times.
A number of yellow cards had been issued for minor infringements and following Uniteds sixth goal several players did appear to become distracted provoking some holding tactics. But, as Mrs Barker said,’ That all led to some moaning but it was nothing serious and Mr Parker did not book anyone.’
‘Suddenly, without warning he announced he was abandoning the match’
Both team captains, however, signed the sheet to accept the result as it stood and played out the rest as a friendly.
Resplendant in their new kit United played as well as they looked to open their new campaign with impressive intent.
The first line-up of capt Phil McVey, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin and Brendan Barker set the pace and soon had the ball rattling off the Manchester goalcage.
An own goal with less than 4 mins gone set the pattern and Hosking quickly followed upwith a neatly taken strike.
Nic Espejo playing well after a long layoff through injury scored a cracking goal within seconds of coming on seven mins from interval. United had not finished yet and Nick Barton applied the decisive finish to a storming run.
Two quick striles from Brendan Barker in the second half put United comfortably in ccontrol. Then came referee Parker’s controversial decision.
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Reporter: Kos Galtos
