OXFORD United are all square going into the second leg of their play-off semi-final – but are fuming that they don’t start with a lead at the Kassam Stadium on Monday.

Last night’s first leg at Rushden finished 1-1, and the U’s were convinced referee David Coote cost them victory.

He allowed a Diamonds equaliser after a clear foul on Adam Chapman . . . right in front of him.

Angry United manager Chris Wilder said afterwards: “The game was too big for him – we were done by a very harsh decision tonight.

“But we looked strong, looked fit and look forward to Monday. We know we’ve got a hell of a task on.

“There was nothing lost tonight, nothing won tonight, for both teams.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Justin and their players, and they were two teams competing and having a right got at it to get the initial edge on each other.”

United’s players admitted they would have taken a draw before the game, but they still felt cheated, because Rushden’s goal – after James Constable had fired them in front – was so questionable.

Many U’s players were angry too that an elbow by Simon Downer into Jack Midson’s face early in the match was punished only by a yellow card, when many referees would have sent the player off.

Wilder said Mr Coote’s performance was not up to the level that should be expected for a Conference play-off.

“I think the game was too big for him, and that’s disappointing because there’s so much at stake for us all,” United’s boss said.

“I thought we started the better, on the front foot, and deservedly took the lead.

“And I’m proud of the players tonight because they’ve had a lot chucked at them, against a decent side.

“These games deserve the best referees and if that’s the best the Conference can offer, then we’re struggling, everybody’s struggling – not just me, Justin (Edinburgh, the Rushden manager), their supporters, our supporters.

“There were times when I looked across and Justin was shaking his head at some of the decisions. We were all absolutely amazed at some of them.

“It was a lively surface tonight and both teams had a go at it. They came back into it when they scored the goal, that game them a big lift, but they shouldn’t have had that goal.”

In the other play-off semi-final, York edged a 1-0 win at home to Luton, which should make for a similarly fascinating and nerve-wracking deciding second match on Monday.