Sutton United boss Paul Doswell slammed the match officials for missing a blatant goal during Tuesday night’s 3-1 defeat at Dover Athletic.

With United trailing 1-0, Bedsente Gomis’ header cannoned off the crossbar and, as the picture shows, cross the line.

However, the referee waved play on and, despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half, Dover were 3-0 ahead before Kevin Amankwaah hit a consolation.

While there were strong words in the dressing room after another lacklustre performance – following Saturday’s narrow 1-0 win over National League whipping boys Guiseley – Doswell saved his harshest words for the men in black.

“The ball is so far over the line, it is ridiculous – it was like Frank Lampard’s against Germany all those years ago – and at 1-1 the game changes,” he said.

“We had a goal given against us at Eastleigh where the lad was three yards offside – it’s got to change.

“The standard of refereeing is what you’d expect from a Sunday pub match.”

Head coach Ian Baird said: “We’re struggling for goals and five defeats on the road in five games is making every home game a must-win.

“We had 16 efforts on goal and only had a defender’s goal to show for it.

“There were harsh words in the dressing room after the match and the lads are in no ways unclear about what we expect to see on Saturday.”

He added: “If there is a positive, it is that we are not too far away from where we want to be, and hopefully a few goals in a game will open the floodgates.”

It was United’s first game without Dan Wishart, who completed a £40,000 move to National League rivals Forest Green Rovers – who top the table.

Baird said: “It has been public knowledge that there has been interest in Dan from the start of the season, and this came round quite suddenly at the end of last week.

“It’s a great move for Dan, and while we will miss him and his ability, there is satisfaction that Paul [Doswell] and I have nurtured another player to potential Football League standard.”

He added: “We’re looking to bring in another defender, but this is also a great chance for Dan Spence to stake his place in the team – he has been unlucky so far this season.”

United welcome back Nicky Bailey from suspension for Woking’s visit to Gander Green Lane.

Meanwhile, Doswell has thanked fans for their messages of support after his father was taken ill while on holiday in Portugal - he is making a very speedy and good recovery back home in England.