FURIOUS boss Carl Heeley accused referee Martin Woods of “bottling” the decision to send off Nuneaton Town defender Ben O’Hanlon after Worcester City’s six-match unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday.

City lost 3-2 at the Victoria Ground but Heeley believes Woods’ failure to brandish a second yellow card to the left-back was the “game-changer”.

O’Hanlon was booked on 27 minutes for tripping winger Chekaine Steele and Heeley was mystified the defender did not receive another yellow in the opening period.

“How the (number) three (O’Hanlon) stays on the pitch, I don’t know,” Heeley said.

“He (the referee) lets him off for a blatant booking. He then books him, gives him a warning and then another warning with the captain for a number of blatant fouls.”

Elliott Whitehouse struck twice in the first half before former City striker Aaron Williams headed in the winner on the hour mark.

But Heeley continued: “There was one game-changing decision and the referee bottled it.

“He was being assessed and I am sure the assessor will tell him he was wonderful because that’s why they don’t improve as they are not honest (about the referee's performance).

“But I will be honest and say he has absolutely had one, he’s had a shocker as the three has got to go.”

Cieron Keane opened the scoring for City before Lee Hughes got them back on level terms on 37 minutes.

However, Heeley also criticised Woods' decision not to award City “an absolute stonewall penalty” when Hughes appeared to be hauled down in the area several minutes before he scored.

“Lee said he was thrown to the ground,” Heeley said.

“Well, if that’s the case, that’s a red card and a penalty.

“You have seen what Lee can do two minutes later. If he is four yards from goal and he’s got a shot, he is not going down.”