Town's home U19 clash with Charlton Athletic ended in quite extraordinary circumstances when a last minute Blues equaliser was first given and then ruled out by the referee.

Charlton had taken the lead earlier in the second half of a game played in a high wind and lashing rain.

The weather had its role to play in their goal, Alex Varney's freekick looping into the Town box where keeper Lewis Price ought to have claimed it above his head with little trouble. Instead it slipped through his hands and over the the line.

The Blues had been the better side for the majority of the game with Sam Morrow having the best chance to put them ahead just after the break when one-on-one with the keeper Bob Elliot. Elliot also pulled off a fine save from Antonio Murray when the midfielder hit a shot from the edge of the area.

However, the main excitement of the afternoon was left until the last minute when a Town corner was cleared to the edge of the box. Left-back Stuart Boardley sent in a swerling, wind-assisted shot which cutled just inside the Charlton goal off the post before slipping through a hole in the back of the net.

With the Town players celebrating the Charlton defenders complained to the referee that the ball hadn't gone in. The linesman then got involved, checking the net for holes large enough for the ball to pass through.

To the shock of the Town players, and the handful of soaking wet supporters, he failed to find one and referee Mr Lodge decided to change his mind and award a goalkick to the Addicks.

The final whistle went shortly afterwards and unsurprisingly Mr Lodge was surrounded by the Town players, substitute Lee Chaffey chief amongst the protesters.

Sadly there was to be no further change of mind on the part of the ref and the Town players had to accept an undeserved defeat.

Photo: Action Images

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