BOSS Paul Crosbie voiced his fury at the officials after nine-man March Town United were thrashed 6-1 by Brightlingsea Regent on Saturday.

Cambs Times: Paul Crosbie.Paul Crosbie. (Image: Archant)

The Hares’ nightmare began in the second minute at the GER, as captain Max Mattless was sent off for what the referee deemed to be a stamp.

Brightlingsea struck twice to take control of the tie before Toby Ogbonna replied for the hosts.

But Crosbie’s troops suffered another huge setback in the 38th minute when Jake Ogden followed Mattless down the tunnel after picking up a second yellow card.

The dismissals killed the game and high-flying Brightlingsea were able to cruise to victory - much to the frustration of a bewildered Crosbie.

“Respect (for referees) is great but respect the players and paying spectators too,” said the Scot.

“You can imagine my delight at half time after the referee acknowledged the mistakes he’d made. What good is that 3-1 down and down to nine men?

“We’ve got to take it on the chin and move on. When the referee awards an offside from a throw-in you can write it off.

“As we say in Scotland, Saturday’s game is a bogey - on to next week.”

March, who sit 12th in the Thurlow Nunn First Division, host 13th-placed Team Bury on Saturday.