Ebbsfleet assistant manager David Kerslake was left bemused by the big decision of the day at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.
The Fleet’s winless run continued with a 2-0 home National League defeat to title-chasing York but it could have been a different story had Josh Passley’s first-half header not been ruled out.
Referee Alan Dale, who did not endear himself to home fans throughout, disallowed the goal after consulting with his assistant, after they adjudged Toby Edser’s presence blocked keeper Harrison Male’s ability to make a save.
“I don't know how the goal has been disallowed from the corner,” said Kerslake.
“When we spoke to the referee, he said that he and the linesman were chatting all the way through the corner.
“The linesman said that Toby was in an offside position. He was asking the referee to get a better feel for it if Toby was interfering with play.
“They ought to employ them in the Premier League because them two are better than VAR.
“We didn't see it on the side. When we’ve asked the referee, they said they were in conversation before the corner kick was taken.
“It's still baffling me how they've come to that conclusion.”
The incident came on the stroke of half-time but Kerslake didn’t accept that it was a turning point in the contest.
“I don't think it's the turning point because we've come out at half-time and I still felt they were there for the taking, as good as they've been all year,” he said. “I think we rattled them a bit.
“It was going to be a tough game. They're a really, really good team. They can pop it about a lot of the time.
“I reckon if you look back over their games and their stats, they're probably most games 75% in possession, but that wasn't the case here.
“We've reduced York who are
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