Angry scenes at Cannon Park as Boston snatch victory

Peter Duffield reacted angrily following a post-match flare-up between coaching staff and players after Retford United's 2-1 defeat to Boston United last night.

There was little between the UniBond League, Premier Division rivals during an ill-tempered game at Cannon Park.

Boston took the lead after 30 minutes when Danny Sleath headed past James Lindley in the Retford goal.

Retford hit back just before half time when Chris Bettney curled in a superb free-kick over the wall and past the sprawling Tom Evans.

But Boston sealed the win, and the vital three points which sees them move to within one point of leaders Bradford Park Avenue, when Shaun Pearson headed in a controversial goal from a Danny Sleath corner on 51 minutes.

Retford felt their keeper had been fouled by Anthony Church as Pearson went up for the ball.

The defeat sees Retford drop to fourth place in the table, but it was the scenes on the final whistle which angered the Retford boss.

"The difference between these two teams tonight was the referee," said Duffield. "I thought he was terrible."

"He has been fooled by the bigger side here tonight and we are the little club and he has given us nothing. I thought we dominated much of the game and, other than the referee, we were the better side.

"Their players were perfectly entitled to celebrate their win, but they encroached into our coaching area kissing their badges and shouting – you just don't do that. One or two of our lads were understandably angry about that.

"Earlier this season we earned a 1-0 win at Bradford Park Avenue and I was told my lads were coming into the dressing room a bit leary.

"When I was told, I went straight into their changing rooms and apologised because I understand if you win you can't get in people's faces like that."

Retford have slipped to five points behind the leaders, who also have two games in hand on Duffield's side.

"The title is now a remote possibility," he added. "But gives us something to go for and we will be working hard to get back at them.

More on this story and a full match report in Thursday's Retford Times.