Penalty award a disgrace, blasts angry Frecks

Trinity were leading at fifth-placed Spennymoor Town, a surprise package in the National League North this season, when a controversial penalty gifted the home side an equaliser in the 1-1 draw.

Nathan Stainfield was penalised eight minutes before half-time when he looked to have won the ball fairly and Joseph Tait, whose back pass had handed Trinity a 10th-minute lead, levelled from the spot.

Frecklington said: “ I don’t like saying it but the officials again today have cost us three points.

“It was an absolute disgrace. I am bored of mentioning it, but something has got to be done.

“That’s what can kill you as a manager. Staino (Stainfield) has clearly won the ball in the box, you can see he has hooked the ball, but the referee has given a penalty.

“Five minutes earlier (at the other end) Ash (Worsfold) has had his legs taken away from him and no penalty was given.

“Where is the consistency? We have come away from home, worked really hard and come away with a point, but it could have been three.”

Trinity battled hard in the second half to hold on to their point to remain outside the bottom three on goal difference ahead of Tuesday night’s game against Bradford Park Avenue.

“I thought we were excellent again,” added Frecklington. “From minute one you could see our intent in the game.

“We have come to a really good outfit, an excellent footballing team who have started the season on fire, and put our stamp on the game. We kept the ball really well.”