Radcliffe Borough boss Paul McGuire slammed the match officials claiming they were the ‘worst he had ever come across’ as his side crashed out of the FA Cup at Skelmersdale United on Saturday.

The Stainton Park chief was left fuming after the home side’s second goal was allowed to stand as Boro lost 4-3 in their first round qualifier against the Premier Division leaders.

The Evo-Stik Division One North side fell behind in the ninth minute at The West Lancashire College Stadium with Aiden Kirkbridge taking advantage of Richard Smith’s misjudged header.

But it was Michael Monaghan’s goal on 17 minutes that left McGuire particularly aggrieved as referee James Price found himself firmly in the spotlight following a number of contentious decisions in the seven-goal thriller.

“We were absolutely undone by one of the worst set of officials I’ve ever come across,” said McGuire.

“I know that sounds like sour grapes because we were the losing team, but they did ruin the game.

“We were in the game when we went 1-0 down but then there was an incident where their winger smashed into our left-back Danny Lambert.

“Both players collided with the linesman, who fell over, and the ball went out of play.

“The linesman was on the ground holding his ankle but their winger got up and carried on.

“He ran down the wing and crossed into the box and they scored. All our lads felt the striker (Monaghan) was offside but the referee just played on despite the fact the linesman was out of the game.”

McGuire also believes the referee wrongly awarded the hosts a free-kick for their third goal.

“Centre-back Smith, who was fantastic for us, won the ball clean as anything, but the referee awarded them a free-kick on the edge of the box and they scored from it,” he said.

Despite being 3-0 down, Boro came out fighting in the second period with substitutes Dave Sherlock and Michael McGinlay on the scoresheet either side of Danny Mitchley’s header for the hosts. Captain Danny Lafferty scored a stoppage time third for Boro but the visitors were unable to find a last-gasp equaliser.

“We fought back and showed plenty of heart and desire,” said McGuire. “We matched them all over the pitch.

“Considering they are top of the league above us, there was no difference whatsoever between the sides.

“They had only conceded two goals all season but we managed to score three at their place.”

Boro return to league action this week but will be without Sherlock (suspended), Danny White and Bevan Burey (both injured) for the trip to Kendal Town on Saturday and at home to Darlington FC 1883 on Tuesday.