Real Bedford manager, Rob Sinclair has commented on the penalty decision in the 90th minute of their Southern League Premier Central play-off final against Spalding United on Bank Holiday Monday (4 May), calling the decision “shambolic”.
In the first of ten minutes of injury time, centre back Sam Cartwright was adjudged to have fouled Spalding attacker, Yusifu Ceesay in the penalty area, with Jack Roberts stepping up to send the game to extra time at 2-2.
Spalding United went on to win the tie 4-2 after extra time, ensuring their promotion to National League North.
Read: Play-off heartbreak for Real Bedford after extra time loss at Spalding
The penalty decision came with Real Bedford 2-1 up; a lead secured thanks to a second half comeback that included an excellent strike from Ben Stevens and an 82nd-minute effort from Josh Setchell.
And in his post-match interview, published by Real Bedford FC on Tuesday morning (5 May), Sinclair commented extensively on the game-changing decision against his side.
“Really, really poor”
After praising his players for the courage they showed in getting back in the encounter, Sinclair went on to talk about the refereeing performance.
“I have to be careful about what I say, but I thought the officials on the whole today were really, really poor for both sides, not just us”, said Sinclair.
“But we’re the ones on the end of a shambolic decision. I’ve seen it back multiple times now, and for him to get that wrong and then to book Shaheim [Ward] who doesn’t even make the tackle is baffling.”
It is unclear if Ward was cautioned for the tackle itself, or his protestations afterwards.
“Officials make mistakes, as well as players and managers – and everyone – but to make that kind of mistake in a play-off final and in a moment like that, you can’t just guess.
“It’s an unacceptable performance from the officials today, but we have to take that”.
“I’m immensely proud, but we’re hurting and gutted because the effort and courage shown by the players today was incredible”, he added.
Asked about what happens next, Sinclair added, “Right now, it’s hard and we’re hurting, but we’ll take the summer and off season to plan, and we’ll have another go next season”.
Sinclair has been with Real Bedford almost from the start of the ‘Bitcoin era’, joining in August 2022, four months after the club was taken over by local businessman, Peter McCormack.
He had lead his side to three straight promotions before Monday’s play-off final, masterminding league titles at steps six, five and four.
Real Bedford will be back competing in Southern League Premier Central – step three of the non-league pyramid – in 2026/27, harbouring hopes of redemption with promotion to the National League setup.
