Calderwood furious after big decision goes against Aberdeen

May 11 2008

RAGING Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood last night blasted linesman Martin Cryans for not awarding Barry Nicholson's goal.

With the match tied at 1-1, Nicholson got on the end of Darren Mackie's cross and prodded the ball towards Motherwell's goal.

Keeper Graeme Smith clawed the ball away - but a split second AFTER it had crossed the line.

Dons were livid with assistant ref Cryans for not giving the goal that could have kept alive their faint hopes of European qualification.

Calderwood said: "We should have gone 2-1 ahead through Barry.

"It was a great save from Smith but the TV people told me the ball landed two yards over the line. My players were raging. A similar thing happened to us against Celtic - and now it's happened again.

"If we'd gone 2-1 ahead Well would have had to open up.

"And with the pace of Sone Aluko and Chris Maguire we would have made it difficult for them.

"It wasn't the referee's decision - it was the linesman's. It's not the first time it's happened with him but I'll need to watch what I say."

Calderwood (right) guided Aberdeen into Europe last season and believes Motherwell can secure their passage into the UEFA Cup. He said: "Good luck to them.

"Well have had a great season and are in a great position - they can only blow third place now."

Calderwood added: "Our attitude was fabulous.

"This is a difficult place to come and get points - a difficult pitch against a good team.

"All credit to my players but if we'd played like that in the league for most of the season then I'm sure we'd be finishing a lot higher."