Tonbridge Angels manager Alan Dunne on refereeing decisions, survival targets and his dilemma over daytime training plans

Alan Dunne says Tonbridge would be in National League South play-off contention but for the number of decisions going against them.

Angels have seen a catalogue of refereeing calls cost them points since Dunne took charge.

They’ve received apologies over various incidents, most recently following a 3-2 defeat at Hornchurch, where the hosts were awarded a goal that hadn’t crossed the line and received a penalty for a challenge that was outside the box.

“If you look at the points we’ve lost from bad decisions, we’d be around the play-offs now,” said Dunne, who instead finds his side in 17th spot, albeit 12 points clear of trouble after back-to-back wins.

“We haven’t had the return of points for the performances we’ve put in.

“We battered Maidenhead, battered Maidstone and battered Hornchurch and been on the end of bad decisions, so we’ve been unlucky.

“I understand referees have got to make decisions, and they’re not always going to get them right.

“But these are match-changing decisions that come with consequences.

“I’m there to help them and I understand mistakes will be made but we’ve had far too many for my liking where I’ve had to get involved and wanted accountability for it.”

Tonbridge have taken big steps towards safety with successive home wins.

They beat Chippenham 3-2 last Saturday, an afternoon that saw them celebrate the life of ex-Angels player Devonte Aransibia, who died a year ago aged 26.

Dunne’s men backed that up by beating Hampton & Richmond 2-0 on Tuesday night.

A first clean sheet in 15 games coincided with the return of goalkeeper Matt Rowley on loan from Reading.

Tonbridge are nine points from Dunne’s target of 50 to clinch National League South safety.

But with a 12-point cushion over the bottom