By Jan Kapcia
Tooting & Mitcham boss Jamie Martin has admitted that the winning goal against Walton Casuals was contentious, but says the right decision was made.
Bamoussa Cisse scored the controversial goal for a 1-0 win at Casuals, helping the Terrors to a first win in Ryman League Division One South in seven attempts.
Super-sub Cisse struck late on as the hosts appealed for offside, despite the substitute being played through by a Walton defender.
Martin said: “It was controversial. But if you’ve been around the game long enough, you know it’s a goal.
“By the letter of the law there was nothing wrong with the decision.”
While the decision divided opinion, Martin admitted it was a vital win for the visitors.
He said: “It was much needed. December was one of those months for us, the culmination of key players missing through injury or suspension.”
He added: “Cisse, Lee Hall and Taurean Roberts, who is a real threat going forward but was suspended for four games, changed the game.
“It was a good job really as in the first half we were quite poor and I told the players at half time that I was willing it to change it unless I saw an improvement.”
The Tooting boss also added that ideally he still wants two or three players more players and is always looking to add to his squad.
And Martin identified the Boxing Day draw at Dulwich Hamlet as a turning point, the first time all of the first team have been available in two months.
With four points now from two games, Tooting face Hythe Town on Saturday.
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