Last gasp penalty adds to Blues' woes for second week

by Doug Thorpe

THERE was a palpable air of disappointment about the New Brighton squad in the clubhouse after Saturday's National League Three North match as they came to accept the reality that, for the second week in succession, they had not reached the standards of which they are capable and failed to command the game - and this time on home turf.

The Blues have been hit by injury and defections in the past two weeks to the extent that no fewer than six backs from the squad were unavailable, so coach Ian Wynn had to deputise in the centre and Steve Dean replaced Matt Jones at fly-half.

Drenching, driving rain and the zealous refereeing of Mr Ged Stone both contributed to ruin the game as a spectacle and, although a great deal of emphasis has been placed on discipline, the players were dismayed that despite the additional care observed they still fell foul of the officials far too frequently.

New Brighton immediately put pressure on the visitors, but it was Darlington Mowden who took the lead when hooker Tasi Jhana touched down. Matthew Brown converted.

That lead was shortlived as six minutes later Richard Bradshaw was driven over and Paul Brett converted (7-7).

In the 28th minute, the Blues were awarded a penalty inside the visitors' 22 which presented no difficulties for Brett (10-7).

New Brighton were playing into driving rain in the second-half and saw each series of drives halted by lost possession due to a turnover, an infringement or merely a poorly placed kick from the hand.

On 55 minutes, Darlington MP, fly-half Michael Georgiou, levelled matters with a well-taken drop goal - and well into stoppage time, Brown gave the visitors a last gasp win with a penalty.