PAUL Hurst believes last night's FA Trophy result might have been different if one or two key decisions had gone Grimsby Town's way.
Gateshead striker Jon Shaw netted a dramatic winner in extra-time as the Second Round replay went in favour of the hosts.
Jamie Chandler and James Curtis had twice put the Heed in front at the International Stadium.
Paddy McLaughlin and Jack Mackreth brought Hurst's men back into the tie, before Shaw popped up to condemn the visitors.
Town were up against it in extra-time, after top-scorer Lenell John-Lewis was forced off injured with all three substitutes used.
However, but the Mariners' boss was less than impressed with the performance of referee Jason Whiteley.
Hurst told the Telegraph: "It's not been the luckiest of grounds for us.
"And I have to say the referee didn't help us one little bit.
"We didn't get anything all night.
"One or two free-kicks were not taken from the right place, and one of them led to them going up the other end to score."
On his side's battling display, Hurst added: "Especially with ten-men, the lads gave me absolutely everything.
"For 25 minutes we couldn't get to grips with the game, and we had to change formation.
"And once we did, we were much better.
"In the second half they started better again, but we had a little spell.
"We had the goal late on, and had Lenny stayed on the pitch, I felt like we would have gone on and won it."
