Ten man Hollington United lose to Balcombe

The home side were favourites to win, with Balcombe being in 9th place coming into the game. From kick-off Balcombe put Hollington under pressure, playing the ball around nicely and creating chances. After 20 minutes the away side took the lead after a corner was fizzed in along the floor and the Balcombe player was there to tap it home.

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Hollington grew into the game and just before half time the equalised through Dom Clarke. The ball was played in from a freekick and it fell nicely to Dom who headed it past the keeper.

Just 5 minutes into the second half Hollington took the lead. The ball was crossed in after a nice bit of play and Dom Clarke was there to nod it home again. Only seven minutes later the game was level again after a good bit of play tore open Hollington's defence and the striker put it past the keeper. In the 65th minute Dom Clarke was questionably sent off.

Balcombe were awarded a penalty with just over 10 minutes to go but Hollington's keeper got down well to save it. The joy didn't last long though because Balcombe went 3-2 up after the ball was played in from a corner and the player headed it in at the far post.

Scott Price was critical of the referees and said they had a big influence on the result. He said: "You can sort of swallow a club linesmen for getting 'things wrong' but you should expect a referee who gets paid to get easy big decisions right. I also get that referees don't see things but you don't expect them to see things that weren't there.

"The FA need to look at grassroots football a lot more, ask why leagues are getting smaller, why players are not paying. Incidents like yesterday are one of many. Dom [Clarke] will now get a £50 fine and a three game ban.

"At this level players don't and shouldn't get paid (well some teams do) so to fine £50 can be a struggle as well as paying subs.

"And to make things worse, unless you have video evidence you can't even appeal.

"Fair play to Balcombe, my rant is not aimed at them or trying to take anything away from them because, as usual, they were outstanding all over the pitch."

MOM sponsored by Paul Nessing Golf Tours was Lewis Mguigan