WOLVERHAMPTON referee Gurnam Singh needed a police escort off the pitch at half-time of the Nationwide League first division game between Barnsley and Huddersfield at Oakwell yesterday.
Singh had sparked a storm of protest by ruling that Andy Morrison headed a long throw by Tom Cowan into the Barnsley net for a goal which equalised Paul Wilkinson's twenty-seventh minute strike. Furious Barnsley players and officials claimed the ball had gone into goal direct from Cowan's hands.
However, Barnsley got back on top in the second half and goals from Neil Redfearn and Trinidadian Clint Marcelle sealed an impressive 3-1 victory.
Barnsley manager Danny Wilson refused to be drawn into the controversy, saying only: ``It was just one of a number of decisions I'd like to have a look at again. Luckily it didn't affect the outcome of the game.''
Under-pressure Manchester City manager Alan Ball has promised to get it right - if he is given time. Ball's side suffered their second league defeat in four days, going down 2-1 at Stoke and the clamour for his dis-missal is growing daily following the club's relegation from the Premiership last season.
However, he promised: ``I'll produce a winning team, but people need to be patient. We have had two hard games away from home and are still coming to terms with this league.''
Former City player Mike Sheron scored both Stoke's goals.
Reading joint player-manager Jimmy Quinn is calling for a change in the rules following keeper Bobby Mihaylov's dismissal in the 5-2 defeat at Ipswich. The Bulgarian international was red-carded after bring down Alex Mathie in the penalty box.
Quinn said: ``Losing a player and conceding a penalty is too much. A penalty is punishment enough.''
Bolton are setting the early pace in division one and secured a 3-1 victory against Norwich thanks to two goals from Nathan Blake.
Promotion favourites Crystal Palace chalked up a 3-1 victory against Oldham, but manager Dave Bassett criticised his players for easing up.
Oxford manager Denis Smith praised two-goal Nigel Jemson after the 5-0 mauling of Southend. He said: ``Jemson has been outstanding as he was in the other two games. He was just too bright for them and the other players are starting to tune in to him as well.''
Birmingham manager Trevor Francis was happy with his team's 4-4 draw at Sheffield United. He said: ``I thought our performance was good. We gave first class entertainment and played some good football.''
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