DYLAN INGLIS at Victoria Park
NEWMAINS UNITED lost two men against Royal Albert – but Paul Davies still felt devastated to miss out on three points.
Davies saw defender Craig Scott and fellow co-boss Craig Gupwell both sent packing.
Scott was given his marching orders with United trailing 1-0 only for Mikey Barton to level just seconds later.
Even with the two-man deficit United created a flurry of late chances and had a late appeal for a penalty turned down.
Davies said: “We’re absolutely devastated at the result because it was a game I thought we should have won.
“We had some clear chances, as did Royal Albert in the first half. But I felt we dominated play at times.
“But to go down to nine men and come away with a draw says a lot about the boys.
“To fight back immediately after going down to ten shows the character we have – but if you’re in
the dressing room after the game you’ll know that it’s a real sore point.
“That’s not taking anything away from Royal Albert, that’s just about our own performance and we felt we should have got more out the game.
“Even at nine men we were still pushing and we were still the team on the ascendency.”
Albert took the lead early in the second half when Gareth Kerr powered in a finish from close range.
The tie then sparked into life in the immediate aftermath with Scott fouled but then shown a red for his reaction.
Newmains did benefit from the free-kick that was given with Barton finishing smartly.
There was still time for more controversy, Gupwell ordered off after a collision with Royal Albert goalkeeper Connor Blades.
Davies insists it was harsh and added: “I think with the first red card we gave the referee a decision to make but the second red card is definitely not a sending off.
“For me the goalkeeper spilled the ball and Craig had to go for it.”
Newmains will now miss both key players through suspension when Thorniewood United visit Victoria Park on Saturday.
Kick-off is 2pm with entry priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for OAPs with Under-16s allowed in for FREE.
