Penrith’s 2-2 draw at sixth-placed Newton Aycliffe could have been better than it sounded.
The Cumbrians, struggling to avoid relegation from Northern League Division One, would have taken a point before a ball was kicked.
But chairman Billy Williams admitted they were disappointed to come home with just a point.
“They were down to nine men for the last nine minutes but we couldn’t manage to grab another goal.
“Unfortunately they had taken the lead in the first minute with a goal which should have been disallowed.
“I think everyone on the field and in the crowd, apart from the referee, saw the player handle the ball before he put it into the net.
“So to come back from that was good, although they did have their first player sent off after 17 minutes.”
Liam Jarvie scored both goals for the hosts, the second on 61 minutes levelling the scores at 2-2.
In between Penrith had equalised and then taken the lead through Matty Moynan (5) and Grant Davison (57).
Both the straight red cards, issued to Joe Ferguson and Liam McNamara were for dangerous play. Penrith had three players booked.
Four clubs are fighting to avoid the bottom two places and Penrith have seven games left in which to climb out of trouble.
They have a chance to make progress with two consecutive home games. The first is a massive clash with bottom side Billingham Town on Saturday.
They then follow up on Wednesday, March 23 against Wickham.
“Getting a win on Saturday would have been a big lift for us but we will be hoping for maximum points from these next two home fixtures,” said Williams.
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