CRAIG Edwards believes referees may be favouring opponents over Billericay Town in recent weeks, while admitting his pride after his team reached the Ryman League Cup final.

Town beat Ryman South outfit South Park 4-3 in the semi-final at New Lodge on Tuesday, although Edwards felt the underdogs got back into the match after a decision by referee Ryan Whittaker.

Ten minutes into the second-half Joe Ellul was sent off - with Edwards believing the challenge warranted ‘a yellow card at worst’ - meaning South Park clawed back a 4-1 deficit to make for a nervy ending.

And the Town chief has lashed out after a number of important went against his men this month.

“We were so good in the first-half,” he said. “At half-time I wanted them to maintain their levels and then the score could have been anything.

“But then a contentious decision sees Joe sent off and they score from that free-kick.

“We were edgy at the back and they scored another and all of a sudden the wind is in their sails. But we did well to rein it in in the final 25 minutes.

“But you know one chance can send it to penalties.

“I don’t know if certain referees want to even it up. Some teams want to show us up because of the investment and I believe some referees feel that way too.

“We have won six, drawn one and lost one in the last eight matches. But we have had to overcome decisions. Harrow were awarded the most ridiculous penalty I have ever seen in the league, Grays were given a free-kick that never was at the weekend and Joe was sent off against South Park, and it almost cost us.

“We are not getting the rub of the green. It is not all referees but, other than last night, all the goals we have conceded have been from contentious set plays.”

However, Edwards couldn’t hide his pleasure at reaching the cup final, after goals from Billy Bricknell, Matt Johnson, Lewis Taaffe and Adam Cunnington helped them over the finish line.

The final will be against either Dulwich Hamlet or Tonbridge Angels (who play on Tuesday, March 14) with Carshalton Athletic rumoured to be hosting the clash.

And Edwards said it was a great feeling to make the final.

“It is always an ambition to get into a cup final and win some silverware,” he said. “We have an opportunity and it is a reward for everyone. Glenn (Tamplin) and Dan (Groves) have come in and it is for the supporters.

“It will be a cracking final as there are two excellent sides in the other half of the draw. Now we can focus on the league.”