PETERSFIELD Town manager Mark Summerhill was disappointed with the referee’s performance during his side’s defeat against league leaders Amesbury Town on Saturday.

The Rams were on level terms at half time, before conceding three goals in the second half.

However, Summerhill believes his side were denied a clear penalty at 0-0.

He said: “The game hinged on a ten-minute spell in the second half.

“We had a stonewall penalty turned down and both dugouts couldn’t believe it.

“A minute later we’re 1-0 down and they soon scored a second. The penalty for their third goal was a blatant dive.

“It is heartbreaking that the game turned on two key decisions.

“I don’t like to blame the referee but the game hinged on those decisions.”

Despite his disappointment, Summerhill was pleased with how his side performed against the league leaders.

“I knew our best chance was to keep it at 0-0 and take a chance when we got it,” said Summerhill.

“We shaded the first half on possession and were the better team in the first half, although we didn’t create many clear cut chances.

“Amesbury made some changes for the second half and came out strongly.

“We defended really well though and kept it tight.

“I feel like I’ve said it a lot but we’ve had good performances against the top teams and not had the rub of the green or taken our chances.”