From the Swindon Advertiser, Monday 24th Sep 2007.

Paul Burke and his Wootton Bassett players suffered humiliation on the south coast as they were trounced 12-0 by Bournemouth in the FA Vase second qualifying round.

Goalkeeper Sean Purcell and striker Dennis King were both sent off as Bassett were buried under an avalanche of second-half goals.

Burke accepted full responsibility for his side's debacle, but claims matters were not helped by the "arrogant and obnoxious" referee.

He said: "I had lots of praise for our great FA Cup run, so I have to be big enough to take the criticism which is going to come my way.

"I've never been involved in a defeat in double figures before and to be honest I am shell-shocked.

"The referee was terrible though. He was arrogant and obnoxious and I've never seen anything quite like it in 30 years.

"My lads were afraid to make a challenge in the second half because they thought they would all get booked."

Burke had no complaints about the dismissal of Purcell for a head-butt, but believes the decision to show King a straight red was harsh beyond belief.

He said: "Dennis is not a dirty player. He hasn't got near to fouling anyone and he's been given a yellow and a straight red.

"The referee was not the reason we lost this game, but he did not make it easy.

"If anything my players deserve credit for the restraint they showed in the second half. It could have been much, much worse."

Leigh Phillips scored six for Bournemouth and Tom Jeffes grabbed a hat-trick as Bassett were crushed by Wessex League opposition for the second time in five days.

Tuesday's 5-1 mauling at the hands of Brockenhurst in the FA Cup has left Burke in need of some positive news.

He said: "The club knows how I feel about it but it doesn't stop me from wanting to be a success.

"I still believe in these players. It is how we respond now that will define our season."

Last modified on Monday 22nd June 2015 at 23:38