In the winter of 1996 the club suffered another first in it's illustrious history. In a game against County Hall Rangers at the club's home ground further misery beset the club. Reserve team manager at that time, Nino Colletti, had selected Matt O'Dea to run the line for him, a job as we all know, doesn't bear well with the players. An incident occurred sixty minutes into the game which angered our linesman to such an extent that he queried one of the referees decisions. Our linesmen thought that one of our players had been deliberately rugby tackled as he attempted to break through the oppositions defence. As the player lay sprawling on the ground Matt shouted out, "Ref, what about the free kick??". But the referee ignored him and waved play on, further angering a now infuriated linesman. "Your a F*&$%£*G joke", Matt was heard to scream at the top of his voice, where upon the referee blew his whistle to stop the game and came running over to where our irate linesman was standing. He argued with Matt about his decision, but our linesman wasn't having any of it, further insulting the referee to such an extent that he produced a red card, ordering Matt from the field of play, well the side of it anyway!! I dread to think what Matt said when he received a 35 day ban to go with a £35 fine a few days later!!