Kennington manager Dan Scorer and his players are struggling with referees this season.

Ton are winless at the bottom of the Southern Counties East Premier Division and Scorer feels their cause hasn’t been helped by the officials.

The latest in a collection of bad calls came at Deal on Sunday when the hosts scored the first goal in a 2-0 win after the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

Scorer, speaking before Wednesday night’s 4-1 defeat at Snodland, said: “The ball was a foot out of play.

“I know there’s a shortage of referees and we need referees for the game to run but I’m concerned about the impact some of these decisions are having on the players.

“In previous years, we’ve always had a habit of winning games and so when you do lose, it hits you like a ton of bricks.

“You sit there and dissect it and pull it apart and you become frustrated.

“But I have to say the last five or six games, I’m coming away thinking I couldn’t ask any more of my players but I could have asked so much more of the officials.

“It’s a shame having to say that because we know the games can’t go ahead without them, but it’s actually them ruining my weekend rather than the performances of my players.

“You like to think these things even themselves out.

“Maybe when you’re down the bottom and things aren’t going your way, it feels like things are piling up a little bit just because of the pressure we put on ourselves.

“When we secure that first win, it will be huge for us, and I’m still fully confident in our ability to climb the table.”

Kennington, who visit Greenways in the Kent Senior Trophy Second Round this Saturday (3pm), have been boosted by news they will soon be playing at home again.

The new 3G pitch at Homelands, where Ton groundshare with landlords Ashford, is nearing completion.

After playing every game away so far, they’re set to host Whitstable on Tuesday, October 24.

“Knowing you’ve got a date in sight helps,” said Scorer.

“All the away games have taken their toll but I’ve said to the boys I’m incredibly proud of them.

“Their commitment since the start of pre-season has been exceptional.

“We’ve had to deal with the fact we’re playing away and, without the pitch, we’ve had to train twice a week at the Stour Centre playing indoor five-a-side.

“You don’t get an opportunity to work on anything in terms of shape and patterns of play but they’ve turned up, they’re committed and I’ve got to praise them for that.

“When we get the chance to train properly, I can see us finding our feet and hopefully kickstarting our season.”