CLITHEROE had victory snatched from them in controversial circumstances in the dying minutes of this match against Bridlington.

Leading by two goals, the Blues appeared to be in cruise control until the referee first awarded a dubious penalty, and then, minutes later a similarly controversial free kick.

Clitheroe's protests also saw them finish the 90 minutes with two players sent for an early bath for protesting the decisions too strongly.

It was an understrength Blues team that made the journey to Bridlington due to several injuries to key players.

But they took the game to the hosts from the off and totally dominated proceedings.

And their early pressure paid immediate dividends when Dave Dempsey opened the scoring after five minutes with a shot from the edge of the box.

Just before half time Owen Roberts doubled their lead with a 30-yard free kick, which flew into the bottom corner.

Clitheroe should have gone three goals up when striker James Dean had an effort ruled out for off-side, a decision by the linesman, which baffled the travelling support.

The second half continued in the same vain as the first with the Blues looking comfortable in possession.

But then the whole shape of the game changed dramatically as the seconds ticked towards the final whistle.

The referee pointed to the spot and awarded the home side a penalty for a tackle by Greg Anderson, which appeared to be fair.

Unfortunately substitute Neil Reynolds took his protests too far and was sent from the technical area.

Kevin Smith kept his composure to slot home.

From the restart the ball was pumped back into the Clitheroe box.

The danger was cleared, but the referee appeared to spot an infringement and awarded the home side a free kick.

This time it was Jason Jones who saw red for his protestations.

Smith again stepped up and again found the back of the net to level the scores.