Hull manager Phil Brown backed referee Kevin Friend as his side claimed a controversial 2-0 play-off first leg win away at Watford.
Friend disallowed a fourth minute Watford goal scored by defender Danny Shittu and also sent off Hornets captain John Eustace after an hour.
"The referee had a great game. I can say that after the two major decisions," said Brown.
"The most disappointing thing was not to get the third and kill it off."
Shittu's goal was chalked off for an alleged challenge on goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, while Eustace was involved in an altercation with Hull skipper Ian Ashbee.
"For the goal it looked to me that he was climbing all over one of our defenders and the whistle went before he even headed the ball," added Brown.
"The fourth official saw a headbutt for the sending off so that is clear cut.
606: DEBATE
"To be disappointed with a 2-0 is staggering but we could have won by three or four."
Aidy Boothroyd disagreed with his opposite number, arguing that the performance of the referee played a huge part in their defeat.
"At 2-0 with the home leg to come I would imagine it is fair to say that is advantage Hull," said the Watford boss.
"We played very well, as well as we have for a long time, but defensive lapses and decisions have cost us.
"The goal was a goal. The only person pushing was the Hull goalkeeper so I cannot understand why he disallowed it.
"With the sending off we have a situation where the Hull players are more experienced than the referee and they've talked him into a red card.
"The ball's on the floor, there are bodies around and he's gone for the ball.
"Are we not allowed to tackle any more?
"I will appeal the red card and we'll have to see what happens before Wednesday."
"We've got another 90 minutes to play for and it's going to be a hell of a game."
The new Wales international produced a string of great saves to deny Watford, but Brown believes the tie is far from over.
He said: "It's still all to play for in my opinion. I've unfortunately been involved in losing from 2-0 up and 3-0 up in the play-offs as a player so I'll take nothing for granted.
"The defence was magnificent. I know Dean Windass and Nicky Barmby will get all the headlines but the goalkeeper was outstanding and he thoroughly deserves his recent international status.
"I knew before the game that Nicky and Dean would have to come off at some stage in this searing heat and for both of them to score was superb for me.
"We've got another 90 minutes to play for and it's going to be a hell of a game."
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