Faversham boss Ray Turner has spoken out about the growing culture of gamesmanship in non-league football, claiming he is saddened by tricks he believes have filtered down from the Premier League.

The Lilywhites boss was pleased with his side’s showing as they bowed out of the Kent Senior Trophy on Tuesday night, going down 2-1 at a strong Dover Athletic side who play three tiers higher than Town.

The game was settled by a controversial late penalty – awarded for a foul on, and converted by former Gillingham striker Stefan Payne – which left Turner frustrated.

He said: “I am pretty content to be honest. They played a strong side with some established first-teamers who have played league football which is a compliment to us, really.

“We pushed them all the way, I think we were the better team in the second half.

“I feel a bit bad for the lads, but the two things I wanted out of the game were no extra-time and for a good performance from us.

“I got both, and in fairness the competition is not high on our priority list.”

He however added: “It was a really soft penalty. I feel a bit sorry for officials sometimes because they can get fooled by things and are often young and under pressure.

“I’ve noticed it coming in more and more in the Ryman League over the past year or so and I don’t like it.

“I think it has filtered down to this level from the Premier League.

“I can’t advocate it, people like non-league football for its honesty, but there’s too much screaming and shouting, trying to get other players in trouble, and people going down looking to win free-kicks and penalties. It has crept into our game and it saddens me.

“I’m not saying I have a team of angels by any means, but I wouldn’t like to see any of it from my players.”

Town made it three straight away wins in all competitions with a 2-1 victory at Carshalton on Saturday and will seek to make it four and scoop £2,500 of prize money with an FA Trophy preliminary round win at Beaconsfield on Saturday.

Turner added: “It’s a big competition for us with some useful money at stake if we can get through.

“We’ve taken a calculated risk not to have a replay and have it finish on the day.

“We’re due to be playing Three Bridges away on Tuesday night in the League, but if they have a replay then it would be good to have a Tuesday night free for training for once.”

Aiden Sherlock (groin), Jamie Maxted (back) and Luke Harvey (chest) will be assessed, though Darren Marsden (groin) remains out.