Caledonian Braves boss Ricky Waddell: Arguable offside call cost us in loss to uni

Caledonian Braves gaffer Ricky Waddell reckons his side were on the end of a dodgy refereeing call in last Saturday’s home 3-2 Lowland League loss to University of Stirling.
Caledonian Braves in action (Library pic)Caledonian Braves in action (Library pic)
Caledonian Braves in action (Library pic)

Braves ace Jack Smith had an early goal disallowed for offside – ironically the same player did score a legitimate goal within a few minutes – but Waddell was left thinking what might have been.

He said: “Jack was actually two yards onside.

“He plays on the edge. I’ve watched it back and obviously in hindsight everything’s easier, but it’s a decision I would have expected the official to get right on that side because he’s looking right across.

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“The right-back is probably a few yards back from his centre-back.

“The linesman has taken his line off the centre-back instead of looking right across to see the full-back.

“I think if we go one up there and then go two up at that stage in the first half, I think the game becomes comfortable, so it’s disappointing.”

After Smith’s subsequent strike, Stirling Uni went 2-1 up by half-time with goals by Jason Jarvis and Jamie Penker.

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Although Braves equalised with a spectacular 45-yard lob by Neil McLaughlin, Stirling Uni weathered more pressure and hit an 80th minute winner through Robbie McGale.

Braves get a break from league duty this Saturday as they visit Jeanfield Swifts in the second round of the Soccer Shop Direct Challenge Cup, with kick-off at 2.30pm.