FURIOUS Leamington boss Paul Holleran hit out at match officials after a ‘bizarre’ decision led to goalscorer James Mace being sent off in the 3-1 defeat to Stockport County in National League North.
County took the lead after 26 minutes through Nyal Bell before Brakes equalised six minutes prior to the break, with Mace heading home from Kieran Dunbar’s cross.
Mace then turned villain, at least in the eyes of the officials, when he was given his marching orders on the stroke of half-time for a tackle on Bell, despite winning the ball.
Stockport made the extra man advantage count in the second half as goals from Connor Dimaio and Darren Stephenson completed a resounding win for the hosts.
“There was a good tempo to the game and you’re thinking which way’s this one going to go, but then everything changes because of a bizarre decision,” said Holleran.
“Because of the angle I had from where I was standing I had a perfect view of it.
“What people need to remember in football is that defending and tackling is a big part of it and when you’re as mobile and quick-footed as someone like James Mace is – he makes good, clean tackles.
“I don’t need to see it again because I saw it clearly.
“It’s a good, fair, clean, hard tackle. It’s low, it’s one-footed, but the decision has changed the complexion of the game.”
Leamington play host to Spennymoor Town on Saturday.
