Is this 40-yard ghost goal one of the worst refereeing decisions ever?

Squires Gate's Joe Noblet was denied a wonder goal at Brocstedes Park

A non-league footballer was denied a memorable goal by an incredibly poor refereeing decision in North West Counties League Premier Division match on Saturday.

Squires Gate’s Joe Noblet appeared to have scored in the 71^st minutes of his side’s away trip to Ashton Athletic after hitting a thunderous effort from around 40 yards out.

The ball rasped off the inside of the upright and, as it was hit with such power, bounced back off the advertising hoardings out of the goal.

The match officials, however, failed to realise that a goal had actually been scored and waved play on, keeping the score at 1-0 to Gate.

Footage of the strike was recorded by YouTube user TheMarkAshmore and shows how the non-league side's wild celebrations were cut short.

Noblet was not to be denied and struck late on, sidefooting home to secure a 2-0 win for the visitors.

Gate’s victory secured their status in the division and relegated their neighbours AFC Blackpool, on a day when any three of the bottom five could have gone down.