Warrington Wolves came from behind to defeat Leigh Leopards at The Halliwell Jones Stadium with Matty Nicholson scoring the winner ten minutes from time.
Nicholson made a lung-busting effort to provide a support line for winger Josh Thewlis who stood the defender up and used the two-on-one to set Nicholson up for the score.
It was a brilliant try that had started in Warrington’s own half when Matt Dufty arced out wide before popping the ball to Thewlis who cut inside and found Nicholson’s support line.
The try put Warrington Wolves 16-14 ahead with ten minutes to go and Sam Burgess’ side were staunch in their defensive efforts to hang on for a gritty win.
There was only one problem though. Winger Matty Ashton had committed a clear knock-on error in the play the ball that immediately led to Dufty’s darting run and thus Nicholson’s score.
Footage of the incident has emerged on social media with fans calling into question how referee Liam Moore missed the blatant knock-on.
With Tom Amone wrapping his legs, Ashton’s efforts to find his front and play the ball quick saw the ball squirm out but it was missed by the match officials.
It then rapidly went from dummy-half to George Williams, to Dufty, Thewlis and then try-scorer Nicholson who fended off Umyla Hanley brilliantly.
You can see the footage in the attached post at the bottom of the article.
Fans fume over knock-on that saved Warrington Wolves’ skin
Credit: Imago Images
Understandably, it’s an officiating error that has caused anger among the fans, particularly those Leigh fans.
They’ve taken to social media to vent their frustrations at the incident with a Leigh fan claiming that the club were “robbed”.
They posted: “Ashton knocked on in the tackle from Trout!!! We’ve been robbed of that win!”
Ashton knocked on in the tackle from trout!! We’ve been robbed of that win! 🤬🤬🤬
— Adam Russell (@Adam_Russ89) April 20, 2024
Another added: “Robbed by a massive knock-on.”
Robbed by a massive missed knock-on. Well played lads.
— Michael Ward (@michaelw_best1) April 20, 2024
It’s another unfortunate and narrow loss for Leigh Leopards but yet another example of Warrington Wolves overcoming adversity to get a win with the Wolves now top of the table.
Nice little knock on at the play the ball before Nicholsons try to give Wire the lead. Missed by officials and commentary it appears 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0lKWxIT0jf
— Jammer Graham™ (@JammerGraham) April 20, 2024
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