Alty Hale lost out in a highly controversial encounter at Manor Avenue with the referee at the centre of both sides attention.  Another poor start from the whites led to Ladybarn taking the lead after 10 mins thanks to an unchallenged header from a corner.  After conceding however, Hale controlled the game, retaining possession and passing the ball around well, but could only get level on the half hour mark after Arun Dey took advantage of a defensive error to slide the ball under the Barn keeper.  The second half started disastrously as a seemingly routine back pass led to Hale keeper Madeley losing the ball before hacking down the Barn striker for a penalty which was easily tucked away.  The view from the sidelines was that Madeley was very lucky to stay on the field, and he only picked up a yellow card.  However this was only the start of a series of controversial decisions by ref Phil Taylor.  With 15 minutes remaining he decided to give a straight red card to the Ladybarn centre back for dissent after the ball had clearly gone out for a throw in.  5 minutes later Dey grabbed the equaliser, tapping in at close range after a corner had evaded everyone.  However, the most controversial decision of the day came 30 seconds from the end.  Hale captain Nick Smith jumped up for a header with a Barn striker, who screamed as he threw himself to the floor.  The ref gave a penalty, at which point the striker jumped up from the floor and the penalty was tucked away to give ladybarn victory.

Alty Hale: Madeley, Bannister, M Prestwich, Coupe, Clamp, Ellis, Holman, Burton, Dey, Royal, Smith (C), Subs: Warburton (for Royal), Hagon (for Dey)

 RH