Cleator Moor Celtic felt hard done by in their 3-2 North West Counties defeat at Bacup Borough.
They had a man sent-off and another sin-binned, and it was while down to nine men that Bacup levelled at 2-2.
The ultimate misfortune came when, after being 2-0 ahead, Borough scored their third goal to win it.
Celtic manager Brian Dawson said today he was still in shock at what had happened.
“We had started brightly and had raced into a 2-0 lead, looking in complete control of the game.
“I don’t normally comment on referees, however this one had different ideas which had an outcome on this game.
“He allowed a goal to stand when there was a clear push on our keeper which resulted in him ending up in the back of the net.
“He then harshly red-carded Josh Charlton for a late challenge and sin-binned Callum Jackman for contesting the decision.
“They then scored the equaliser just after half-time whilst we were down to nine men as the game swung in the hosts favour through some questionable officiating.
“We regrouped and had opportunities to go back in front before conceding again on 70 minutes.
“Having numerous regulars missing and four 16-year-olds in the squad the lads produced a great performance and can feel very aggrieved to come away empty-handed.
“We will take it on the chin and prepare for next week’s game again away at Bacup, but this time in the Cup.
“If we put in the same performance we will get the result we deserved this week.”
Tom Short (24) and Luke Ivison (35) had given Celtic a deserved lead before things changed.
Veteran strike Jason Walker turned back the clock with a hat-trick as Holker Old Boys swept aside bottom side Ashton Town 6-2.
Ashton actually raced into a 2-0 lead inside the first ten minutes but by half-time the Old Boys had gone 3-2 ahead with goals from Callum Fawcett (24), Walker (26) and Luke Mitchell (39).
They went on to stretch that advantage in the second half with goals from Joe McGladdery (63) and two from Walker, a 78th minute penalty and the last strike five minutes from time.
