WESTBURY United joint-manager Neil Kirkpatrick said he felt “cheated” after his side were dumped out of the Wiltshire Senior Cup 4-1 by Swindon Supermarine at the semi-final stage on Wednesday night, writes JONATHAN LEIGHFIELD.

Kirkpatrick’s side took the lead late on at the neutral venue of Royal Wootton Bassett through an excellent Josh Ferguson volley as United threatened to provide a shock, yet a late Marine penalty forced extra time.

With Marine leading 2-1 in the added half-hour, Westbury felt they should have been awarded a penalty for a handball on the goalline, but it was not given, much to their annoyance.

Two more Marine goals followed, and Kirkpatrick was left feeling like his side had been “robbed” as they were unable to mount a comeback due to the lack of influence from the referee.

Afterwards, the Westbury manager said: “I’m proud of the lads – for 90 minutes we were superb, but I actually feel cheated with the decisions on the pitch.

“I’m the last one to criticise referees because they’ve got a hard job, but that was staggering on Wednesday, absolutely staggering.

“The penalty decision at 2-1 that we didn’t get has absolutely killed us.

“A – it was over the line and B – their player has stuck his hand out, and the referee says ‘I saw it hit his hand, but it wasn’t deliberate’ – unbelievable. If it’s 2-2, that changes the game and we have a chance.”

“In the end, we ran out of steam. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so flat after a game.”

Despite the scoreline, Kirkpatrick felt his side more than held their own against the Southern League Premier Division side and thanked everyone associated with the club for their hard work and dedication this season.