JASON Tindall took a swipe at referee Steven Cook after Cherries crashed to defeat at Gillingham.

Nicky Southall’s 58th-minute strike was enough for Mark Stimson’s side to claim all three points, but it was Surrey-based official Cook who stole the show after 30 minutes of second-half madness at Priestfield.

Cook booked four Cherries players in quick succession following Southall’s strike – including right-back Anton Robinson for what appeared to be a perfectly timed challenge on Gills winger Andy Barcham a minute from time.

And after replacing Marvin Bartley for a six-minute cameo up front as Eddie Howe’s troops went in search of an equaliser, assistant boss Tindall was also cautioned for dissent after the final whistle had sounded – following seven minutes of stoppage time.

Tindall, who joined Mark Molesley, Steve Fletcher, Jeff Goulding and Robinson in the official’s notebook, told the Echo: “I don’t really like criticising anyone and it’s not really his fault that we lost the game, but, for me, he was the worst referee we have had all season.

“The decisions he made were terrible – he gave free kicks against Steve Fletcher for nothing and he must have got a new yellow card because he couldn’t wait to get it out.

“There were a lot of free kicks that we felt should have gone our way, but they weren’t given.

“But it seemed like the sligh-|test touch against us was given and I think he just had a bad game.

“It didn’t help us, though, as he wanted to blow his whistle every 30 seconds, especially in the second half.”

In a stop-start and often bad-tempered encounter, chances were few and far between for both sides, with only a Mark Molesley first-half drive really testing Gills keeper Simon Royce.

Howe’s men will now turn their attentions to tomorrow night’s league clash with Aldershot Town at Dean Court.

Tindall added: “We were disappointed with the goal we conceded, but we have to get ourselves ready and go again on Tuesday.

“I thought we were excellent in the first half and we dominated the game.

“We didn’t create too many chances, but there was a lot of pressure and we were disappointed to come in level at half-time.

“We knew they would create one or two opportunities at home and they scored with one of the few they created.

“It got them three points, but while we’re disappointed with that, we’re pleased with our performance in the first half.”

Looking back on Cherries’ three consecutive away trips, Tindall said: “We’re disappointed because we felt we could have got something at Chesterfield and although the Dagenham game was a good performance from us, we feel today was our best performance.

“Overall, though, three points from three away games is something you would normally take. It’s a point in each game and, away from home, that is not bad.

“We’re still two points behind Grimsby and within touching distance of Barnet and Chester. We’ve got two home games coming up and if we can take maximum points then I believe we will find ourselves in a position where we can kick on.”