WARRINGTON Town’s play-off hopes suffered a bitter blow as they lost 1-0 at home to fellow contenders Curzon Ashton.
Despite dominating much of the game Town couldn’t find the back of the net and suffered a sucker punch in the 75th minute to a dubious penalty.
Keeper Paul Pritchard was adjudged to have brought down Curzon’s centre forward Chris McDonagh inside the box when he clearly got the ball – and McDonagh got to his feet and cooly slotted the ball into the back of the net after sending Pritchard, who was booked for his “crime,” the wrong way.
Striker Gavin Salmon was brought on to inject some pace into the Town attack but there was no way through for Warrington who have now collected just one point from their last three games.
Curzon’s goal scorer McDonagh was sent off in the 81st minute after a two footed challenge on Salmon but the visitors were able to hold on for a valuable three points to help consolidate a play-off position.
It was a busy night for referee Mr S Durbin, who booked five players on each side.
With a blank weekend Warrington’s next game is at home to Bamber Bridge next Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.
Pictures show substitute Gavin Salmon breaking through, Chris Thompson holding up the ball and the penalty heartbreak for the Town fans.
Town: Pritchard, Wright, Corrigan, T Hardwick, Tomlinson (c), Wade, Hickey, Hardwick, Thompson, Collins (Salmon 73), Gahgan.
Subs Jukes, Salmon, Hamid, Rutter.
