Auckland City coach Allan Jones will be on referee watch when they play Team Wellington at Kiwitea St this afternoon.
More than a trifle miffed at the decision which earned key striker Keryn Jordan a yellow card "for diving" in last week's New Zealand Football Championship win over Hawkes BayUnited, Jones said yesterday that he felt referees were forcing decisions from coaches.
"I knew he hadn't dived. He hit the ground too hard for that but the referee [Ian Walker] ruled differently," said Jones.
"Not only did that decision cost us a penalty but I was forced to take off a key player because I could not afford to risk him getting a second yellow card. I took him off not because I don't trust him, but I can't trust the referees."
Those issues aside, Jones is looking forward to a good game.
"I watched them [Wellington] last week and they countered everything Canterbury threw at them," said Jones. "I thought they were a good team last year but they are better now. Their midfield mobility is the best in the country. Bryan Little has pace to burn.
"If you go to sleep they will kill you as they are a very quick, skilful counter-attacking side and one of the best group of technicians in the country."
On the injury front it has been a mixed bag for Jones this week.
"Injuries are taking a toll. Training this week was all about getting the players fit, not about trying to lift the standard of the league."
In the other key match Canterbury United and Waitakere United meet in Christchurch tomorrow with both teams looking to bounce back from last-round losses.
