WOODBRIDGE Town manager Mark Scopes has criticised the standard of officiating in the Ridgeons League this season.

Scopes, who was sent to the stands just before half time during his side’s 1-1 draw at Felixstowe & Walton United on Boxing Day after contesting a decision made by the match officials, is disappointed with the inconsistency he claims is shown by referees and their assistants.

“I am really disappointed with the officials this season. They get paid very good money to officiate in this league, but they are inconsistent. I can understand why the Haverhill chairman quit as he had had enough.”

Steve Brown recently resigned as Haverhill Rovers chairman following a row with the Suffolk FA over a misconduct charge.

The county FA upheld an allegation in the referee’s report that Brown had verbally abused the official, and issued a �100 fine.

Brown said he had been applauding the players off the pitch after the match at FC Clacton when the referee told him he would be reporting him for misconduct.

Scopes continued: “There are some good referees, and I have not got a problem with them talking to you.

“But football is a passionate game and I am a passionate person. I want to make sure every decision is a fair one, and I will shout ‘corner’ or ‘throw in’ if I believe it is right to do so.”

Woodbridge have lost just once in their last seven league games, and Scopes is now looking for his side to kick-on in the second half of the season, and although he is not setting any targets he is hoping to improve on last season’s 10th-placed finish.

“We have played all the top teams and competed well, either losing narrowly or drawing with them. We have now got to start winning more games than we lose.”

Woodbridge travel to Great Yarmouth Town tomorrow and entertain Diss Town on Monday.