BOURNEMOUTH Poppies manager Ken Vaughan claimed referee Iain Bardsley had “destroyed the game” as Pim Menkveld’s 10th-minute dismissal preceded a 5-0 mauling against Moneyfields.

Menkveld saw red for denying Moneys an obvious goalscoring opportunity with Steve Hutchings netting the first of his treble for the high-flying visitors at Victoria Park.

But Vaughan was adamant that son and goalkeeper Kenny Vaughan Jnr had been fouled seconds before venting his frustration over Poppies’ fortunes with match officials this season.

Vaughan told the Daily Echo: “It was a desperate lunge (by Menkveld) but it should not have got that far. Everybody had stopped because it was such a blatant foul on Kenny.

“The assistant had flagged for the free kick but the referee just ignored him. What was always going to be a tough test was made impossible within minutes and it completely destroyed the game.

“To be fair, he listened to my point of view but it was hard to take. It was one of a few shocking decisions that cost us three goals on the day.

“It seems like every week I am moaning about officials but when it keeps happening what can you do? It seems like we have to beat the referee before we even think about the game and I know of other managers who feel the same.”

One positive for Poppies was being able to field a trio of new signings with Poole Town defender Lamin Dibba and former Christchurch duo Dan Saul and Taylor Leonard making their debuts.

“It’s going to be a long old season but we’re trying to rebuild the side. On paper, we look fairly strong but it’s just a case of getting our best players fit and available at the same time,” added Vaughan.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Bardsley politely declined to comment.

  • Kayne Daysh’s double helped Hamworthy United secure a 2-2 draw at Petersfield Town, while Warren Kenna’s penalty and Manny Soetan’s free kick saw Lymington Town beat Fawley 2-1. Rob Woolner was on target for New Milton Town in a 3-1 defeat to table-topping Tadley Calleva.