James Parker could barely contain his fury after 10-man Tattingstone United lost their unbeaten league run in cruel fashion to fellow high-flyers Debenham LC, at Bourne Vale.

The game changer was a 44th minute sending off when Elliott Crowe and Hornets defender Fred Mallet tangled and referee Chris Whitley deemed the home player had stamped on the opponent, while many observes saw it the other way.

Referee Chris Whitley dubious decision (Picture: Nub News)

At that point United were a single goal down, had seen an equaliser by Ashley Blow controversially chalked off for offside, and were in the ascendency.

Fired up Tattingstone came out strongly in the second half with Jaydn Huggins showing good skill to level moments after the restart.

But Debenham, who came down from the Thurlow Nunn League last season, showed why they are so highly rated with a composed, organised and deadly response. The fourth goal in particular was one of those 'wow what a goal' moments.

It could have been more but for a couple of good saves, either side of the break from Tattingstone's Matty Butterworth.

Arlon Clarke made good saves (Picture: Nub News)

But Tattingstone boss James Parker was in no doubt the result could have been so different but for the controversial dismissal.

"A refereeing decision dictated the game," said Parker. "I'm not sure what he saw. I thought their player should have been sent off not ours.

"We controlled much of the game and it would have bee a completely different game if it had been 11 v 11."

Tatt on the attack (Picture: Nub News)

The scoreline looked far worse than the outnumbered performance deserved and Parker praised his side's reaction.

"That's football," he said. "I'm not going to downplay the boys' character and how we stuck at it.

"We got a goal back and perhaps a few poor decisions by ourselves didn't help with a couple of their goals.

"The boys were unreal and we will be back. We have been in this position before and we will deal with it."

Tattingstone used to bouncing back (Picture: Nub News)

After a ten game unbeaten run last season, Tattingstone suffered a loss at home and main-slump before getting back on track and winning promotion on the final day of the season.

Parker said: "We knew coming up to the higher league we would get tough games, we actually want those tough games, it is shame that the referee's decision dictated this result.

"We got a goal back and perhaps a few

Their experience and quality showed when we went down to 10, they used it well but making up moving around more and there was not much more we could do."