U's:1 Blues:0

In the wake of the recent non-goal at Watford and non-penalty at Old Trafford, there’s been a lot of talk about introducing video technology.

But I think a better idea would be to give managers the right to change the referee once per match. Denied a penalty by the whistler that starts the match? Then why not upgrade him for one that will grant you a spot kick in second half injury time. Worked for us on Sunday didn’t it, and I’m sure Sepp Blatter would probably agree it’s a good idea. Maybe.

United’s performance against Grays was a big improvement on the shoddy capitulation at the hands of Oxford. However, were it not for ref number two’s intervention we’d probably be looking back on another frustrating afternoon at the Abbey. The U’s had plenty of chances to put the game to bed, and should have registered a more comfortable win against an ordinary, un-ambitious, Grays side.

Referee number one was an interesting fellow, who I feel had good intentions but often didn’t execute them properly. His keenness to play advantage undermined United’s case for what looked a clear penalty in the 20th minute. Chris Holroyd burst onto a Challinor pass but was yanked back as he was about to shoot. The ref waved play on as the ball had reached Danny Crow, whose angled shot was saved by David Button.

Challinor and Carden had shots blocked, while another good run from the speedy Holroyd saw him reach the byline but arc a cross just over the head of Crow. And just on half time, Button flapped at a corner, but Phil Bolland’s shot on the turn flew just wide.

Given our recent form, you got the feeling United might be made to pay for this profligacy, and Grays started the second period well. However, they weren’t able to test Danny Potter, despite a couple of set pieces that flew dangerously across the goalmouth.

And after a little spell under the cosh, United regained control, with Crow drawing a fantastic full-length save from Button with a deft flick that looked to be heading for the top corner. From the resulting corner, Danny Brown’s shot crashed against the cross bar, and moments later Mark Convery curled a free kick just over the bar after Crow, who seems to be gradually improving, had been fouled.

With the game drifting towards a goal-less conclusion, the crucial substitution took place, with the fourth official taking over from his injured counterpart. Evil also came on in place of Jardim, and set up Challinor for a weak shot on the turn that was easily repelled by Button.

But Big Lee was to have the final say. Challinor hurled a throw into the box, and as Hatswell rose with a defender the ref spotted some kind of infringement. It could have been handball, it could have been an elbow in Hats’ face, and most likely it was neither, but no matter, because once the dust had settled Evil thumped home the penalty, high to Button’s right. Hurrah.

So yeah, overall United deserved their win and played some decent stuff. But the return of Mark Beesley to add a bit of cutting edge in the final third can’t come soon enough if you ask me.

Man of the Match: Chris Holroyd – With Evil relegated to the bench, Holroyd took on the mantle of main striker with gusto, enjoying probably his best outing to date.

Non-league shoddiness of the Match – The Grays number 23 was presumably a new signing, as duct tape covered the name of shirts previous incumbent. Classy.