Rebels' Vase hopes smashed to pieces

Source: Manchester Evening News

FC UNITED'S dream of an FA Vase final came crashing down as they suffered two red cards and a deciding goal in the last minute of extra time against Quorn.

The Rebels played for an hour - including a bizarre eight minutes of added time - with nine men after the controversial dismissals of defender Liam Coyne and midfielder Josh Howard.

But what had looked like being an heroic rearguard action ended in a shattering 3-2 defeat deep in extra time as Quorn sub Nigel Julien crashed in a brilliant 25-yard winner.

But the talking point was referee Mr Duncan, with Quorn manager Marcus Law sympathising with his opposite number Karl Marginson, saying how well his team had played "considering they were nine men against 12."

Blazing

Marginson was blazing mad with Mr Duncan but had no qualms about the dismissal of Liam Coyne, who appeared to push an opponent in the face during a 21-man brawl.

"I didn't see why he had to red-card their man in particular when there were 20 grown men pushing each other around," said Law.

Marginson was furious at Howard's dismissal on 67 minutes.

He was booked in the first half for dissent and then shown a second yellow for an innocuous foul on Paul White.

"I just hope there was a referees' assessor in the stand because this referee should have to answer to someone," said Marginson.

Quorn took the lead when White seized on Sam Ashton's punch to smash home a half-volley.

Rory Patterson equalised and FC went ahead on 86 minutes when Rob Nugent stabbed the ball home.

Within two minutes the lead was wiped out by Jermaine Gordon and Quorn went on to win the tie with what was virtually the last kick.