COLNE crashed out of the Second Division Trophy in controversial fashion with a 3-1 defeat at Ashton Town.

George Craddock thought he had put the Reds 2-1 up early in the second half but the referee disallowed the goal, infuriating the visiting side.

On a heavy surface the Reds started well and hit the woodwork early on as Gavin Cooper broke on the left only to see his low shot came back off the post.

Colne's best chance came on 12 minutes when new signing Ewan Purcell made a good run into the box before playing in a low hard cross which Ingham and Craddock failed to convert.

Just when it seemed the pressure would not bring a goal the breakthrough came when Gavin Richards set up leading scorer George Craddock whose excellent finish gave the Reds the lead.

Colne continued to dominate the game with James Webster and Ingham controlling midfield.

Craddock nearly doubled his tally when through one on one but saw his shot saved.

As half time approached in a game which the Reds had totally dominated Colne were made to pay for missed chances when Ashton scored following poor defending by Berry and Hayes.

The second half was a more even game but the visitors still looked the likely scorers and that proved the case in the 58th minute when a Cooper free kick was flicked on at the near post for Craddock to score what seemed a perfectly good goal.

The referee overruled the linesman and disallowed the goal leading to protests which halted the game for several minutes.

The Reds' frustration was complete minutes later when Ingham's interception fell kindly for Ashton, and a low shot from Cain gave the home side the lead.

As Colne pushed forward in search of an equaliser they were caught on the break and Woodyer slotted home past Baxter to make it 3-1.

Colne's Purcell looked lively and had two late efforts hit the post and bar respectively.

Manager Dean Grice was disappointed with the outcome of the game after Colne had dominated for long periods. "The game turned on a poor refereeing decision after we had played some of the best football of our season. For the second week running we created enough chances to have the game won by half time and again individual errors have cost us. We must now pick ourselves up for the local derby against Darwen at home next Saturday."

ASHTON TOWN...3 COLNE...1