Hampton & Richmond manager Alan Julian is still backing goalkeeper James Holden after his errors led to Hemel Hampstead winning 2-1 in National League South at Beveree Stadium.
Kyle Ajayi made it 1-0 to Hempstead, Millar Mathews-Lewis doubled their lead with Ronan Silva scoring from the spot in the 89th minute.
Holden was at fault when a poor clearance led to the first goal and also gave away a penalty in the 90th minute which was fired wide.
Julian, who was a goalkeeper himself, said: “He’s [Holden] miss-kicked the ball and their fella’s struck an unbelievable strike. That’s an error. Let’s not get away from that. It’s cost us to go one nil down and as a team, we are giving a few too many gifts at the moment.
“We’re dominating games of football. We’re playing good football. I like the way we’re playing. I like the way we’re confident on the ball, but we’re just giving some sloppy goals.
“I’ll back every single player in that dressing room.”
Holden did make a crucial save down low at 1-0, denying George Williams’ one-on-one shot.
HRBFC hit the post twice and a goalmouth scramble that couldn’t be converted in a game finished tight and fiery.
HRBFC’s Soul Kader had a goal disallowed wrongly for offside in the first half at 0-0 and Julian didn’t hold back his frustration, and Hempstead goalkeeper Michael Johnson appearing to handle outside the box in injury time.
“If we have a referee or a linesman that’s just capable at this level, we go one nil up and it changes the whole game”
“I don’t want to get myself into trouble, but if you have an able set of officials tonight, I think we win the game quite comfortably. Maybe we’re due a decision next week.”
Hampton were awarded a penalty and with three designated penalty-takers Silva converted the penalty in the 89th minute by smashing it down the middle but a minute later Hempstead had their own penalty that was flashed wide.
“I believe we deserve to win the game. I don’t think anyone that was being really honest would debate that, but deserving to win the game and win the game are two different things. We’ve lost the game. We need to understand why and how in order to move forwards.”
Hemel Hempstead move up to fourth with Hampton & Richmond in 12th and now winless in six.
Picture: Dicken Richards
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